Germany, twice consecutive World Champion (United States 2003 and China 2007), has been eliminated for the first time in history in the group stage at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. The Europeans needed a victory to ensure qualification for the round of 16. However, they could not get past the draw against Korea Republic (1-1), in an agonizing duel until the final minutes.
The unexpected victory of Morocco against Colombia, in the other meeting of group H, prevented Germany from accessing the round of 16 of the tournament with a tie. Alexandra Popp’s goal with 3 minutes remaining in the first period after an excellent header encouraged the Germans to believe. In minute 56 a goal disallowed for offside and a ball that hit the crossbar began to worry the Germans, the ball did not go in.
Finally, despite the 16 minutes added, the score did not move and Germany was left out of the World Cup, in a group in which Morocco and Colombia advance to the round.
