Every World Cup has something new to offer the legions of football fans around the world, and this year’s edition is no different.

For reference, just look at Cristiano Ronaldo’s headlining hat-trick, Argentina’s 3-0 loss to Croatia and Harry Kane’s exploits. Truly, it’s been one fantastic viewing experience so far.

(Though it’s still not worth the exorbitant prices we have to fork out for the package. But then again, nothing ever will)

Yet in spite of the many amazing and surprising notions to have occurred, the most shocking one would have to be the group F match-up that transpired just yesterday (27 June).

South Korea, the bottom of the table and with pretty much just pride to play for (unless a miracle happens), faced off against reigning champions Germany, a team that desperately needed all three points to secure advancement to the next stage.

Now, I’m not exactly smart, but it’s pretty much a no-brainer who’s going to win here.

Well, guess what? Underdogs South Korea, in a move nobody saw coming, triumphed over Germany to tear their championship hopes asunder. And it leaves you wondering…

Just how on Earth…

As such, let me just go through the 6 key points of this wonderful, wonderful match, because if there’s one thing I know…

It definitely deserves the attention.

1. It’s a pretty one-sided match

I’m not kidding; the match’s as lopsided as it can be. Just look at the stats.

Oh, by the way, the team on the right side isn’t South Korea. It’s Germany.

Incredible as it may seem, Germany dominated 69% of onfield possession and had an astounding 26 shots in total. Despite that, they found themselves trailing by not one, but two goals at end time.

Though you gotta wonder; is it just pure luck on South Korea’s part? Or is there more than meets the eye?

We find out.

2. Hyun-woo Cho

Don’t know who he is? Well, you’re going to soon. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a host of clubs scrambling after his signature, considering the world-class performance he put in against powerhouse Germany.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who plies his trade for South Korean outfit Daegu FC, found himself saddled with a pretty insurmountable task by being put in front of the goal against the likes of Marco Reus, Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos.

But somehow, incredibly, he did it.

With six important saves in the match, the towering keeper single-handedly kept Germany at bay, and deservedly swept the Man Of The Match award.

Also, his hard work and dedication would surely endear himself to the girls, seeing how our office colleague Rachel is already going all gaga over him. 😉

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3. Manuel Neuer

Ah yes, Manuel Neuer. The goalkeeper who plays ‘outfield’ as often as he plays in goal.

Where do I start?

If you recall, Neuer was pretty much the Hyun-woo Choo of World Cup 2014. Having delivered exceptional performances throughout the tournament (including some logic-defying clearances), it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he was a big part behind his team’s domination at the tournament, as well as subsequently clinching the coveted prize.

But while the goalkeeper, who’s rated as one of (if not the) the best goalkeepers in the world, performed extraordinarily well in the last edition of the World Cup, his performance in the match-up against South Korea is surely one he wouldn’t be too keen to dig up for some bedtime reading.

Now just to set things straight, the first goal had nothing to do with him. Fired home at point blank range, there was really nothing Neuer could’ve done.

What drew the ire of fans (especially Germans), however, was the fact that Neuer chose to play in ‘midfield’ position in their late push towards an equaliser.

And while Neuer has shown that he can (just look at his highlight performances in World Cup 2014. Half of them showed him playing from the halfway line), it seems that it just wasn’t his day.

Cruelly robbed of the ball in the opposition’s half, the ball was sent flying to the end of the pitch, where a grateful Son Heung Min rushed to poke it home.

Shucks, too bad Neuer.

Let’s just hope that this incident doesn’t discolour an otherwise fantastic career on Neuer’s part, though judging by his self-confidence and natural presence on the pitch.

I doubt we have reason to worry.

4. Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

Controversy has long been a part of the game, but it seems that this time around, rules are really meant to be complied with seeing how the authorities have implemented the Video Assistant Referee into this year’s World Cup.

And blimey, this shit works. Despite it still being the group stages, the technology has already captured multiple instants of cheating or fouls that would have normally fooled even the most keen-eyed referee.

Although I’m sure the Germans would have appreciated the VAR taking a leave of absence, seeing how the first goal could have been avoided altogether (just like the controversial goal decision ruled against England in 2010).

In the third minute of extra time, a minor penalty box mix-up saw a ball go through the legs of Niklas Sule and land at the feet of Young-Gwon Kim. The defender hesitated for the fleetest ofmicrosecondss, before roofing it into the upper right corner of the net. Neuer stood no chance.

The South Koreans, distinctly elated, started celebrating like they just won the World Cup. But hold on just a minute.

What’s this; the linesman has raised his flag!

As the South Korean celebrations were cut short, they begin to wonder. Was it truly offside? The referee asked Mr VAR for assistance.

Mr V.A.R, not contented with Germany, then ruled it in favour of South Korea. And that, ladies and gentlemen, was what set off arguably the greatest upset in World Cup 2018.

5. Son Heung-Min

After Young-Gwon Kim scored, the pressure was on for Germany. At this point, they needed two goals to even be considered for advancement, and time wasn’t really on their side.

With pressure mounting on, German goalkeeper headed to the halfway line in an attempt to support his attacking compatriots.

Robbed of the ball in the opposition’s half, the ball was sent flying towards the empty German goal by Ju Se-jong, and Tottenham winger/forward Son Heung-Min rushed down the field to poke it home.

2-0. Game over. With the referee on the brink of blowing the whistle, Germany’s journey has ended far sooner than anyone expected.

On another note; can’t imagine the despair of the Germans’ faces then? Well, here you go.

Meanwhile, South Koreans be like

Hah, in your face suckas.

6. What does this mean for the two teams?

At full time, this is how the table stands.

And yes, Germany’s out of the competition. Sitting bottom of the table with three points, they’ve crashed out of group stages when many expected them to last at least three more weeks.

South Korea, on the other hand, sit at third place with the same number of points. Granted, they might’ve been disqualified, but I’m sure the South Korean fans will find it hard to give them flak considering the valiant display they put on in front of a side like Germany.

Kudos, South Korea. You guys deserve to go home with your heads held high.

Mexico, on the other hand, would surely be thanking their lucky stars for Germany’s shock loss, considering how they were spanked 3-0 in the ass by Sweden.

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All in all

You can’t help but wonder whether Germany needs an overhaul, considering their disappointing performances in this year’s World Cup campaign. But I guess they will have two more years (till the next Euro) to figure that out.

Meanwhile, South Korea should be an exciting prospect in the next campaign, seeing how they’ve effectively announced their existence to the whole world with this world-class display.

Truly, it looks like Cha Bum-kun and Park Ji Sung have left their country in safe hands.

Time to take on the mantle eh…

Son Heung Min?

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