Germany crash out 2023 Women’s World Cup

Two-time champions Germany suffered a shock exit from the Women’s World Cup after being held to a 1-1 draw by South Korea in their final Group H match in Brisbane.

South Korea got off to a flying start when Cho So-hyun found the back of the net in the sixth minute, giving her team an early lead. However, Germany’s captain, Alexandra Popp, rose to the occasion and equalized with a powerful header in the 42nd minute.

Despite several chances, Germany couldn’t break the deadlock, with Popp coming closest with a header that hit the crossbar in the 60th minute. As the game ended in a draw and with Morocco’s surprising 1-0 victory over Colombia in the group’s other match, both Morocco and Colombia finished with six points, leaving Germany trailing behind on four points. As a result, the former champions were relegated to third place and failed to advance to the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

Germany’s journey in this edition of the World Cup started with a resounding 6-0 win over Morocco, but their campaign took a downturn with a shocking 2-1 loss to Colombia. Joining the ranks of Canada and Brazil, Germany became the third top-10 ranked team to be eliminated at the group stage, adding to the tournament’s surprises.

South Korea, managed by Englishman Colin Bell, also bid farewell to the competition after securing their first point of the campaign.

Throughout the match, Germany struggled to find their rhythm, and despite Popp’s heroics, they were unable to secure the crucial victory. In the 57th minute, Popp thought she had put her side ahead, but her effort was ruled out for offside. Moments later, she struck the crossbar with another powerful header.

In a desperate attempt to salvage their campaign, Germany fought till the end, with substitute Sydney Lohmann trying her luck, but their efforts fell short.

The match was not without drama, as a lengthy period of added time, including a stoppage when Cho was injured and carried off on a stretcher, added to the tension. Despite the valiant efforts, Germany couldn’t rewrite their fate and had to accept an untimely exit from the tournament.