Germany's historic World Cup exit inspires mass 'schadenfreude'

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Germany's historic World Cup exit inspires mass 'schadenfreude' image

"Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end Germany always win." While that famous quote by Gary Lineker is not always accurate there is no doubt that when it comes to a World Cup, Germany are invariably amongst the top challengers. 

The four-time winners had never finished outside of the top seven since their last first-round exit back in 1938, but they have fallen in Group F to break 80 years of almost constant success. 

A 1-0 reverse to Mexico suggested all was not well inside a team tipped by many to retain their World Cup title, and Wednesday's shock defeat to South Korea sends them packing from Russia rock-bottom of their group. 

And while Joachim Low's men are widely respected for their record over the years, certain defeats like the 7-1 crushing of Brazil, three straight wins over Argentina and a host of tight victories against England have left their mark. 

The Germans even have a word for it: schadenfreude, the feeling of joy caused by the suffering or humiliation of another person; and it was in plentiful supply once the final whistle blew on their disastrous World Cup campaign. 

Sweden advanced from Group F as top seed, while Mexico followed in second place. 

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