Germany’s Shell-shocked captain Alexandra Popp admits she doesn’t ‘understand what’s going on’ – as European giants crash out of World Cup group stages after drawing 1-1 with South Korea
Germany’s Shell-shocked captain Alexandra Popp admits she doesn’t ‘understand what’s going on’ – as European giants crash out of World Cup group stages after drawing 1-1 with South Korea
- Germany failed to reach the group stage of a World Cup for the first time
- Skipper Alexandra Popp was stunned by the team’s 1–1 draw with South Korea
- It was the second consecutive game they failed to win after losing to Colombia
Germany captain Alexandra Popp has been stunned by the country’s shock exit from the group stage of the Women’s World Cup following a 1-1 draw with South Korea on Thursday.
The world number 2, who made it to last year’s European Championship final, lost their second group game against Colombia but were still in a strong position to qualify en route to the match after beating Morocco 6-0 in their first group match.
However, they fell behind early on when Cho So-hyun scored in the sixth minute.
Popp equalized for Germany just before half-time with a powerful header, but the European giants were unable to find a winner after the break, despite the match lasting a whopping 107 minutes.
Wolfsburg’s goal-scoring machine was shaken by the events leading up to the country’s first-ever exit in the opening round of the tournament and struggled to understand the failure.
Alexandra Popp was stunned by Germany’s failure in the World Cup group stage
Cho Sohyun gave South Korea a surprising lead, increasing the pressure on the much-loved rival
Alexandra Popp restored parity, but they needed another one and it didn’t come in 107 minutes
“I don’t quite understand what’s going on,” Popp said. I have no idea what to say. I really have no idea.’
While Morocco defeated Colombia in the other Group H match, Germany remained third and exited the World Cup with just four points from their three games.
Germany pushed and pushed deep into stoppage time trying to find the one goal they needed, only to be answered by a resolute South Korean defence.
When the final whistle blew, some of the German players stood motionless, while others fell to the floor in disappointment as tears flowed.
The Germans, champions in 2003 and 2007 and second in the world rankings, needed a victory to ensure progress.
Popp was awarded the Player of the Match award, but couldn’t hide her disappointment