Germans are used to seeing our national team lose – it has happened before and will happen again – but what we are not used to is seeing them leave a World Cup at the group stages, and especially in the manner that has taken place at this tournament. It is a big surprise, a huge disappointment, and it has left me and many of my compatriots feeling completely empty.
After the dramatic victory over Sweden on Saturday I expected to see a different Germany against South Korea, one re-energised and ready to secure the victory needed to reach the last 16. Instead the players performed with no determination to win. There was minimal risk in their approach and minimal resistance to the attacks South Korea launched against them. This was not the Germany we have been used to for many years now.
Related: Germany crash out of World Cup group stage after defeat to South Korea
They have not been up to it for some time, thus the need to decide whose time is up and who deserves a chance to step up
Related: Joachim Löw considers his future after Germany’s shock World Cup exit
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