Joachim Low made five changes from that skin-of-their-teeth win over Sweden at the weekend, but saw his side punished for yet another blunt and disjointed performance in midfield and attack.

It is the first time the four-time winners have ever failed to make it through the group stage. They last bowed out in the opening round in 1938.

South Korea were resolute throughout, but should have been tested with far greater intensity by a side with such attacking talent at their disposal.

The jubilation on the pitch and in the stands from those in red as the Taegeuk Warriors celebrated their stoppage time goals will be one of the takeaway memories from a World Cup that continues to confound and astound.

SOUTH KOREA

Jo Hyeon-woo (GK) - 9

Don't be surprised to see Jo playing club football in Europe next season - the 26 year-old's agile and commanding performances in all three of South Korea's group games will have attracted attention. His acrobatic save to stop Leon Goretzka's header midway through the second half was outstanding.

Lee Yong (RB) - 7

Most of Germany's first-half attacks came down Lee's side - that Jonas Hector was found in space with such regularity didn't reflect greatly on him, but he nullified the threat after the break.

Yun Young-sun (CB) - 9

This was only Yun's seventh cap for the national side, and on this evidence you had to wonder why - the 29 year-old's excellent positioning was a source of constant frustration for Germany.

Kim Young-gwon (CB) - 8

A key component of South Korea's nigh-on faultless defence - and at the death, he went and stole victory, finishing cooly past Manuel Neuer after a scramble in the box, and dashing off in frenzied celebration. The linesman's offside flag was raised, but after VAR consultation, the goal was given.

Hong Chul (LB) - 8

Cooly and calmly dealt with any long balls sent up from Germany's backline, and was very well-composed on the ground too, even when under pressure from Timo Werner and Joshua Kimmich.