Mesut Ozil and Mats Hummels return as Germany make five changes

Football fans around the world continued their mockery of Germany today as their players prepared to fly home from the World Cup in Russian Federation.

The Brazilians had to soak up spells of intense pressure from Serbia but finish unbeaten in the group stage.

Celebrations spread to the historic center of the capital, where World Cup games are being shown on giant screens.

Despite the loss, and because of South Korea’s win over Germany, Mexico also advances as runners-up in the group.

Mexico now have an impressive seven points in the group and will go through to the round of 16 with a huge amount confidence after wins over Germany and South Korea.

Germany became the fourth defending champion in the past five World Cup tournaments to be knocked out at the group stage. Germany fans watch the broadcast at Saint Petersburg Fan Fest.

Italy have historically been slow starters in World Cups.

Germany qualified for Russian Federation with a ideal record of 10 wins, but Hummels said the team had not played well since they wrapped up qualification late past year. But the team never really seemed to recover from its opening 1-0 loss to Mexico. “We had high expectations for ourselves but I don’t think we could fulfil them in any of the three games”, he said.

Germany’s early departure from the World Cup will delight Brazil fans following their heartbreak in 2014.

“He’s one of the best players in the world, and I am more than convinced we’ll see him in this tournament again”.

Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben scored twice while Stefan De Vrij added his name to the score-sheet in a match that would signal the end of Spain’s tiki-taka inspired dominance.

Philippe Coutinho’s sublime pass was converted by Paulinho in the 35th minute and Thiago Silva powered in a second-half header at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow. Now is not the time to go into the analysis of what went wrong.

Loew refutes suggestions German football is about to enter a dark phase, insisting “there are enough young players, who are very talented and ready to develop”.

A sense of doom grew in the stadium as Sweden leapt out to a 2-0 lead against Mexico in Yekaterinburg, forcing Loew to make changes in a desperate push for a victor.

Ozil was dropped by Low for the match against Sweden, which Germany won 2-1 thanks to a late goal from Toni Kroos, whilst Hummels was injured.