Group F saw more drama than a daytime soap opera as Sweden and Mexico progressed leaving Germany down and out on Match Day 3.
What Happened
Starting off with what will be the shock upset of the tournament South Korea put Germany to the sword and with some luck bagged an incredible 2-0 win over the defending World Champions through two very late goals.
In the other matchup Mexico faced Sweden and the resulting scoreline came as a surprise with the Europeans running away with a scrappy 3-0 win against the high-flying Central Americans.
Stand Out Performers
1. Cho Hyun-woo was once again one of the players of the round providing a number of impressive acrobatic saves to keep Germany at bay.
2. While there was no specific standout performer in Sweden’s big win over Mexico Ludwig Augustinsson put in a good shift and grab the go-ahead goal to put his side in poll position to take out the group.
3. Son Heung-min was once again an influential force for South Korea firing in a slue of testing shots at Manuel Neuer and eventually grabbing his second goal of the tournament late in the game.
Talking Points
Match Day 3 provided us with a lot to talk about, from Germany crashing out of the World Cup group stages for the first time in 80 years to Sweden claiming a shock thumping of Mexico it has been a true testament to the World Cup and just how much every game means.
One of the biggest mysteries was the poor performance of the man highly regarded as the world’s best, Neuer looked nervy spilling balls and almost conceding more than just the two goals.
What it Means
Looking at the final table one would never have anticipated the result from the first game seeing Mexico stun the Germans and Sweden sneaking three points from South Korea but the big win on Match Day 3 put Sweden right up the top dropping Mexico to second, South Korea to third and yes… I can’t believe I am writing this but Germany way down in fourth place. What a time to be alive.
Needs Work
First of all Germany have looked a mere shell of the powerhouse we have known them as in recent times and the game against South Korea was no exception to this terrible tournament with Low’s side looking sluggish and uninspired sending in 28 shots but only managing a measly 6 on target. Though the Germans have a young inexperienced core there was no passion and drive and Low will need to address this in the coming years.
In the other encounter Sweden demonstrated that although Mexico have been dealing blows with their speed and counter-attacking prowess the Central Americans are not untouchable. Though the Swede’s goals were sloppy they exposed an unorganised defence that is easily penetrated with the right move and Juan Carlos Osorio will need to address that.
What’s Next
The happenings of Match Day 3 have made for some very interesting match-ups between Group E and Group F with Mexico set for a tough American showdown with Brazil and Sweden handed a favourable European test against Switzerland.
Goal of the Day
Though there were no stunners on Match Day 3 for Group F the sheer significance of Son Heung-min breakaway goal takes the cake as the Tottenham star drove the dagger right into German hearts.
Another goal! 2-0 to South Korea! Germany are gonnnnnnnneeee! #WorldCup #KORGER pic.twitter.com/VTQJUpyolY
— SBS – The World Game (@TheWorldGame) June 27, 2018
Miss of the Day
Germany had a handful of missed opportunities but the worst would have to be Mats Hummels’ headed effort from right in front trickling off the shoulder and wide.
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