Remember What Happened Last Time Germany Went Out In The First Round...

Unless you've had your phone turned off, not opened a computer, not spoken to a single human being or had your head stuck in a drainpipe for the last few hours, it probably isn't news to you that Germany have been knocked out of the World Cup in hilarious fashion this afternoon.

The World Champions - or the ex-World Champions as they are now known - went down 2-0 to the previously winless South Koreans and will exit the tournament at the first hurdle for the first time since 1938.

PA

PA

Now, we don't have to remind you what happened in 1938, the last time that Germany so spectacularly failed at football's premier event.

Back then, there wasn't actually a group stage and instead, a straight knockout tournament was held, where the Germans lost to Switzerland in a replay after they had drawn their initial encounter.

Suffice to say that things deteriorated quickly in terms of international relations after that result...

Whereas today's match might be referred to as a 'Don't Mention The VAR' match - the Korean's first and second goals were confirmed via video assistance - the original German World Cup cock-up might be a case of 'Don't Mention The...' - actually we're not even going to go there.

The 1938 World Cup was won the end by Italy - who retained the trophy - and who didn't even qualify, so they won't be a danger of picking up the Jules Rimet this time around.

PA)

Of course, the Second World War broke out just a year later and thus Italy remarkably remained champions for a grand total of 12 years, not relinquishing the title until the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, where it was won by Uruguay.

The trophy itself miraculously survived World War Two, taking refuge in the unlikeliest of places.

Dr Ottorino Barassi, one of FIFA's Vice Presidents, took ownership of the trophy on behalf of the governing body during the conflict by stealing it from a bank vault.

He was convinced that the bank in which the Italian FA had stored the World Cup would not be secure and thus he pinched it and kept the priceless trophy under his bed in a shoebox to keep it safe during the war.

Topics: SPORT, Russia 2018, Germany, World Cup

Mike Wood

Mike Meehall Wood is a freelance journalist and translator. He writes for LADbible, VICE and countless sports publications, focusing on rugby league, football and boxing. He is a graduate of Leeds University and maintains a fizzy pop obsession. Contact Mike at [email protected]