Germany makes unprecedented Group Stage exit at FIFA Women's World Cup following a draw with Korea Republic
Martina Voss-Tecklenburg, Head Coach of Germany, and Alexandra Popp of Germany speak to the media in the post match press conference Credit: Alex Grimm - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In an unexpected turn of events at the FIFA Women's World Cup, Germany was eliminated at the group stage for the first time in history.
The two-time world champions were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Korea Republic in Brisbane, leading to their early exit.
Korea Republic took an early lead in the match with Sohyun Cho scoring a goal just six minutes into the game.
Germany, however, managed to level the game late in the first half with Alex Popp's goal.
Nevertheless, Morocco's leading position in their concurrent match against Colombia meant that the German team needed an additional goal, which never materialized.
The Korean team wasted no time in asserting themselves at the start of the game.
Casey Phair almost put them ahead early on, but her effort was deflected by German goalkeeper Merle Frohms.
The German team failed to respond adequately, and within minutes, Cho scored the opening goal with an assist from Youngju Lee.
Germany managed to equalize before halftime, thanks to a brilliant header from captain Popp.
However, their brief hope of progressing was shattered when Morocco scored against Colombia, pushing Germany back into third place.
Popp nearly found the goal that could have saved the German team after the break, but her effort was ruled offside. Another of her headers later hit the bar.
Despite a relentless effort from Martina Voss-Tecklenburg's side, neither Germany nor Colombia managed to score another goal, confirming Germany's surprising group-stage exit.
The result sees Colombia and Morocco continue their journey in the tournament, while the German team along with their opponents Korea Republic will be heading home.
