Reigning champions Germany exit first-round for first time since 1938 after stunning loss to S.Korea

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Reigning world champions and the world's top-ranked national side Germany were dumped from the World Cup in a shocking first-round result last evening. Their fate was sealed as a result of an unexpected defeat against South Korea in their final group game. Four-time World Cup champions and runners-up a further four times, Germany came into the Championships as the reigning holders of World Football's most prestigious title. Die Mannschaft have qualified for 19 of the 21 World Cups held, but this time, saw their first group stage exit in 80 years. Germany has reached the knockout stages at every World Cup since 1938. The Germans came into last evening's game needing a win to stay in the tournament. Germany came into the game as overwhelming favorites, but in a tense affair, scoring opportunities for both teams were few and far between. The second half saw Korea come out of their shell and display a far more offensive side to their game. Following yet another scoreless second half, the Koreans broke their deadlock early in stoppage time through Kim Yong Gwon. The goal all but sealed Germany's fate as a result. With a draw sufficient to go through, the Germans pushed up all their players, including keeper Manuel Neuer, in search of an equalizer. With the opposition goal open, the Koreans broke on the counter, and their long ball out of defense found Song Heung-Min in acres of space with just the goal in front of him, and he made no mistake in slotting home from three yards out. With that result, Germany was dumped from the World Cup in the very first round. This was also the first time in history that they lost 2 of 3 games. It was indeed a painful moment for both the mighty Germans and their supporters alike.