The four-time winners had never finished outside of the top seven since their last first-round exit back in 1938, but they have fallen in Group F to break 80 years of almost constant success.
A 1-0 reverse to Mexico suggested all was not well inside a team tipped by many to retain their World Cup title, and Wednesday’s shock defeat to South Korea sends them packing from Russia rock-bottom of their group.
And while Joachim Low’s men are widely respected for their record over the years, certain defeats like the 7-1 crushing of Brazil, three straight wins over Argentina and a host of tight victories against England have left their mark.
The Germans even have a word for it: schadenfreude, the feeling of joy caused by the suffering or humiliation of another person; and it was in plentiful supply once the final whistle blew on their disastrous World Cup campaign.
Sweden advanced from Group F as top seed, while Mexico followed in second place.
