There was a shock in Wednesday’s early kick-off, while three of our stars were in action in World Cup’s evening games. Scroll down to find out how our players got on.
Mesut Ozil played the full 90 minutes but was unable to help Germany avoid being knocked out of the World Cup by South Korea. With three points after their opening two games, Germany knew they had to better Sweden or Mexico’s result to reach the last 16 in Russia.
But Joachim Low’s side struggled to break down South Korea’s resolute defence despite Ozil creating seven clear-cut opportunities, and after Mats Hummels headed our playmaker’s pinpoint delivery off target, Kim Young-Gwon and Son Heung-Min struck in injury time to condemn Germany to defeat.
The result meant that the defending champions finished bottom of Group F, with Sweden and Mexico advancing to the knockout stage.
But there was better news for Granit Xhaka and Stephan Lichtsteiner later in the day. Our duo played the full 90 minutes as Switzerland drew 2-2 with Joel Campbell’s Costa Rica to book their place in the last 16 of the tournament.
Blerim Dzemaili broke the deadlock with a thumping first-half volley, but 10 minutes into the second half, Kendall Waston leapt high to level the score from Campbell’s corner delivery.
Josep Drmic restored the lead for Switzerland with a first-time finish, but deep into stoppage time Yann Sommer inadvertently bundled Bryan Ruiz’s penalty into the back of his own net.
A point apiece ensured that Costa Rica’s World Cup campaign ended, while Switzerland advanced to the knockout phase where they will face Sweden on Tuesday. Kick-off is at 3pm (UK time).
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