Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos fails to advance to Round of 16 with Germany

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has been shown an early exit to the 2018 World Cup. Here’s a look at the disastrous game and what this means for Germany.

Last time Toni Kroos was in the World Cup his country dominated and went all the way to Final, eventually winning it all. This time around it was a very different story, for the fourth time in the last five editions of the prestigious tournament the title holders fail to get out of the group stage.

Not only did Germany fail to make it out of the group stage, they finished dead last. The Germans won just one of their three fixtures, an abysmal result. Even in their lone win of the tournament, they struggled to get a grip on the game, snatching all three points in the final few minutes.

Match Recap

Germany held possession of the ball for nearly 75% of the match but struggled to make any use of it. Germany moved the ball with 90% accuracy but it was unfruitful, to say the least. Their passes around the box of South Korea became repetitive and quickly predictable. Unable to find a rhythm to the game South Korea held Germany at bay with relative ease.

Even with 28 shots, many went array as only 6 would actually cause trouble for the South Korean keeper. Their opponents, on the other hand, would have 12 shots with 5 reaching the target, just one less than the Germans.

South Korea would take the lead in stoppage time from a corner kick with the ball bobbling through traffic and right to the foot of Kim Young-Gwon. Kim made no mistake firing the ball right past Manuel Neuer. Korea would strike again as Germany tried to make a comeback of their own. Manuel Neuer was sent up to help the attack, of course leaving the net completely open and the score at 2-0.

Joachim Low Out

Joachim Low surprised many with his starting XI choices, and that uncertainty from fans clearly had some basis. Low’s men struggled to find the final piece to the puzzle with one chance after another going to waste. Along with a poor starting XI choice, his squad selection was also questioned.

Low struggled to replace key players from the last World Cup campaign such as Phillip Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Highlight performer Leroy Sane of Manchester City in the 2017-2018 campaign was left behind for an average Julian Draxler.

Germany will be re-structuring their team after a shock exit. This is the first time ever that Germany has failed to make their way out of the group stage in the World Cup. Who will be taking over from Joachim Low will be very interesting.

Next: Real Madrid reject Flamengo's proposal to keep Vinicius Jr.

Toni Kroos

While Germany struggled in the World Cup, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos had a great individual campaign. Kroos finished all three games with over 90% pass completion showing his industrious impact in games. His work rate and influence in engineering the attack proves how he is one of the best midfielders in the world.

Against Sweden kept his countries chances alive with a masterful free kick just outside the 18-yard box. The goal along with a neat and tidy game earned him the man of the match award.

Since his time with Madrid, Kroos has enjoyed incredible success. The midfielder is still in contract until summer of 2022, which is when the next World Cup will be played. Kroos has expressed his happiness with Los Blancos and will be around for the next few seasons.

Kroos will likely return home to Germany to spend some time with his family before heading back to Madrid. Real will be taking part of the International Champions Cup once again, as they tour the USA as part of their pre-season tour.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more great Real Madrid coverage!