Holders Germany crash out of World Cup 2018 as Sweden and Mexico progress

Germany's defence of their World Cup crown has ended at the first hurdle after a 2-0 defeat to South Korea saw them finish bottom of Group F.

Jogi Low saw his side fall to their second defeat in three group stage games as injury-time goals from Kim young-gwon and Son Heung-min earned the Koreans a famous victory.

Sweden stunned group leaders Mexico with a 3-0 win to finish top of the pile with six points thanks to goals from Ludwig Augustinsson, Andreas Gronqvist and an own goal from Edson Alvarez.

The Germans went into the game knowing a win would guarantee them passage to the last 16, while even a 1-0 defeat could be enough if Sweden were beaten by Mexico.

The holders were lethargic throughout, despite introducing fresh faces to the starting line-up, including Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.

And having defended stoutly throughout, South Korea got the breakthrough they deserved in the second minute of injury was an offside call against Kim was correctly overturned.

Tottenham Hotspur's Son added the clincher on the break four minutes later to ensure that while South Korea missed out on qualification, they did finish above the world champions.

Sweden will face the runners-up in Group E in St Petersburg on Tuesday afternoon, while Mexico will face the winners on Monday evening in Samara.

Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil are the three sides in contention for both positions, with Serbia facing Brazil and Switzerland already-eliminated Costa Rica this evening.