Day 14: Auf Wiedersehen!

Whoever will win the World Cup is still a mystery, but one thing is certain: Germany won't prolong their title. The World Cup winners are out after their defeat against South Korea. Germany had to win their last group match to avoid elimination. But a weak and unrecognizable German side never gave the impression they could yesterday. On the contrary, it was South Korea who was the most dangerous team in the first half. Their best chance came when Neuer couldn't hold a free kick from Jung, but he set his own mistake right just in time to deny Son an easy tap-in. It was goalless at the break and Germany needed some improvement, because Sweden were ahead against Mexico. Löw tried everything he could with bringing in Gomez, Müller and Brandt, but it all didn't matter. The 'schwung' never came and Germany's build up play was too slow to really trouble the Koreans. The golden opportunity to cause yet another miraculous escape fell for Hummels, but a defender is not a striker: he headed the ball against his own shoulder. In injury time, Korea found the goal through Kim Young Gwon. The goal was disallowed at first because the Korean player was offside, but the VAR intervened correctly because the 'assist' was from Kroos. It was over and out for Germany. The humiliation was complete when Neuer tried to set up the attack himself but lost the ball in midfield. Son made the sprint of his life (probably against the military service he is trying to avoid) to put the ball in the empty goal. 2-0, Germany ended last in their group if just being eliminated wasn't enough. Remarkable statistic: it is the third World Cup in a row where the title defenders are eliminated in the group stage, after Italy in 2010 and Spain in 2014. In the other match, Sweden beat a surprisingly weak Mexico team with 3-0. Sweden takes the top spot in the group. If there were any doubts Sweden could do it without Ibrahomivic, they will be swept away by now.

In Group E, Brazil did what they had to do against Serbia. Only a victory would be enough for the Balkan side to cause the second big upset in the group stage. Brazil won with 2-0 and saw Switzerland draw with Costa Rica in injury time, after Sommer got a rebound from a penalty against his own head to score the most unlucky own-goal of the tournament. Brazil are group winners and will play Mexico in the round of 16. Switzerland will play Sweden, a fixture not many would have expected. A unique opportunity for both countries to make it to the quarterfinals.

The results of yesterday are very interesting for Belgium as well. We can basically choose who we want to play in the round of 16 and the quarter finals. In a few hours, we will know who will progress from Group H. Japan are favorites there to win the group, and I guess Colombia will join them. If we win the group, we will normally play against Brazil in the quarter finals if we make it that far. If we end in second place, it will be Sweden or Switzerland. This sounds more pleasing than Brazil, so many people are actually hoping we don't beat England tonight. But in my opinion, you're going to have to beat the big guns at some point, so let's just go for a win to keep up the good form!