Korea Republic’s historic 2-0 win over Germany in Kazan may not have been enough for the Taeguk Warriors to progress to the Round of 16 from Group F, but it will nevertheless go down as a result for the ages as the reigning champions were also eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ at the first hurdle.
The pattern of the first half was as expected, with Germany trying to set the tempo and the South Koreans looking to hit them on the break. However, neither team seriously threatened to score and the only dangerous chance was from a swerving Koo Jacheol free-kick that caused Manuel Neuer some difficulty, but the goalkeeper managed to block it and then flick the ball away just in time before Son Heungmin could get to the rebound.
Die Nationalmannschaft had a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock at the start of the second period but Leon Goretzka’s header was brilliantly saved by Jo Hyeonwoo. Timo Werner went close shortly after that following excellent interplay between Mesut Ozil and Marco Reus, as Germany started to push forward with greater purpose. That left the east Asians with room to exploit on the counter-attack, but they were unable to take advantage due to wayward final balls. However, ultimately it was a defender, Kim Younggwon, who scored to pave the way for the South Koreans’ historic triumph, before Son sealed the victory with a late second.
Sweden turned in a perfect performance to reach the Round of 16 in style with a 3-0 victory over Group F pace-setters Mexico. El Tri were only saved from a cruel exit due to Germany’s defeat against Korea Republic.
The Europeans started in powerful fashion, dominating goalscoring opportunities and constantly looking dangerous in the air. However, they had to wait until five minutes into the second half to break the deadlock, as Ludwig Augustinsson swept home at the back post.
Looking for a two goal win to guarantee progression, Sweden doubled their advantage when Andreas Granqvist converted from the penalty spot just past the hour mark. And the Blagulawere in dreamland with 16 minutes remaining after Mexico defender Edson Alvarez forced the ball over his own line.
Mexico built late momentum but Sweden remained impressively resolute at the back. And in remarkable scenes, a wave of noise swept through the arena in the dying minutes as the massive Mexican contingent received news of the unexpected result in Kazan.
Brazil will face Mexico in a FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash in Samara after they won Group E by beating Serbia 2-0 at the Spartak Moscow Stadium.
The South Americans thus finished on seven points from three matches, while Serbia were left facing an early flight home after failing to get the win they so desperately needed.
Brazil took the lead in the 36th minute when Paulinho raced through to on to through ball by Philippe Coutinho to lob over the on-rushing goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic.
Serbia pushed for an equaliser but lacked the cutting edge and were caught by a classic suck-punch when Thiago Silva headed home powerfully from an outswinging Neymar corner on 68 minutes
Switzerland needed a point from their final Group E game to make sure of a place in the Round of 16 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, and they got it with a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica. Though Los Ticos were already out of the competition, they at least had the consolation of scoring their first goals of the competition and collecting their first points.
The Central Americans made an enterprising start as they sought to atone for their two earlier defeats. Determined not to leave Russia as the only goalless side in the tournament, they struck the woodwork twice in the opening ten minutes.
As in their two previous games, the Swiss were slow out of the blocks, but eventually managed to stem the Tico tide before taking the lead on 31 minutes, with Stephan Lichtsteiner crossing into the box and Blerim Dzemaili lashing home a loose ball.
Die Nati struggled for inspiration after the break, their midfield short on ideas and their incursions into the opposition box proving all too rare. Finding themselves still in the game, Costa Rica levelled through a fine Kendall Waston header. Though the Swiss regained the lead late on, the Costa Ricans levelled in stoppage time, when a Bryan Ruiz penalty cannoned off the bar, onto to keeper Yann Sommer’s head, and into the back of the net.
