No! you cannot believe it! Germany (0) loses to the Korean Republic (2) in the upset of the 21th century – Germany out of the Group Stage awaiting a hostile home coming
The list of the 10 underdog upsets in the history of world football has just been updated. South Korea not only beat Germany 2:0 but as a result, Germany is out of the World Cup in the group stage for the first time since 1938. No matter how much you know about football no one but no one could have predicted it. Leicester winning the Premiership bet was 5000/1 odds. If you bet against Germany making it to the round of 16 you must have gotten a 1,000,000 to 1 odds and you are now a multi-millionaire. By the way, South and North Korean teams capture 3 of the slots on the list of all time upsets: North Korea beat Italy in 1966, South Korea beat Italy in 2002 and this upset is even bigger that the United States beating mighty England in 1950. Oh, about the match itself: The South Korean goaltender unquestionably the man of the match was incredible – a “once-in-a-life” performance. But the Germans for the first time ever beat themselves. They dominated the game to a ridiculous degree but missed time and again in front of net. The days of a mercurial striker like Klose or Gerd Muller are over. The German defense and mid-field cannot be blamed as they display the classic German style of efficient, diagonal passing utilizing the width of the field; very precise and patient. But in front of the net they froze. In summary, Germany lost its cool and history was made. History will also record the second Korean goal as one of the most bizarre with their goaltender Neuer up the field in Korean territory and their first goal as a VAR override of a disallowed for an offside goal by the referee. A match that every football fan will remember and tell their children and grandchildren about
Can you believe it? Sweden (3) are through beating the hot Mexicans (0) and are top of group F (!)
In a day of shock upsets Sweden beat the more favorite in form Mexico a decisive 3:0 and won the group. a lost to Sweden 3-0 on Wednesday in its final group stage match. Mexico is not in mourning as they too ascended albeit in second place. It what was a frantic, hectic and truly unbelievable two hours. Mexico lived out an intense final half an hour, with Germany going forward with everything it had, but a late goal from South Korea clinched a shocking upset to let Mexico go through. Mexico did not live up to its pre-game reputation from prior matches, but it was enough. Sweden, on the other hand, had its best showing of the cup.
Brazil (2) is still Brazil despite physical and some serious pressure by Serbia (0)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViOhbXnFhB4&feature=onebox
Brazil showed some “Jogo Bonito” today and is emerging, now that Germany is out (really?) and Argentina struggling, as potentially a six-time World Cup winner. Paulinho first goal was a classic Brazilian goal: perfectly timed lob over the defense and a lob over the goal-tender. For the first half and last quarter of the match Brazil played to its reputation with a rhythmic pace. By contrast Serbia played to its reputation, being tough, aggressive with many fouls to stymie the easy-going Brazil. Brazil could have scored more goals had it not shown as much of the ball to the Serbs on passes and first touches. At the half hour mark Serbia began a sequence of offensive pressure that truly threatened Brazil’s lead but they failed to capitalize on relatively easy opportunities. Same goes for Neymar who was more of the provider today than the finisher.
Switzerland (2) All you need is a tie and on we go over Costa Rica (2)
A tie is all Switzerland needed and that is exactly what they got enough to move forward behind Brazil in Group E. A weird own goal by the Switzerland goalkeeper made it 2:2 at the death. A Costa Rican penalty kick (never, ever seen that many awarded. Must be a function of the VAR influence on referees) hit the cross bar and deflected in for a goal by the back of the Swiss goaltender. This came only 2 minutes after Switzerland took the lead on a well-constructed goal finished with a screamer that threatened to tear the netting. To that point it was a relatively even game and none of the team should be too disappointed. Switzerland advanced and Costa Rica earned its first point. Switzerland has demonstrated that its relatively high FIFA ranking (#6) is quite justified.
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