Germany crash out of World Cup group stage after defeat to South Korea.
In Brazil four years ago Germany struggled to get the balance right between attack and defence until the quarter-final. This time they never quite did and now they are out.
- Winning results in failure
- Occupational hazard to note is that of defending champions tend to exit the next tournament in the group stages.
| Team | Won the World Cup | Record in the very next World Cup |
| Germany | 2014 | 2018 – eliminated at Group Stage |
| Spain | 2010 | 2014 – eliminated at Group Stage |
| Italy | 2006 | 2010 – eliminated at Group Stage |
| Brazil | 2002 | 2006 – eliminated at Quarterfinals |
| France | 1998 | 2002 – eliminated at Group Stage |
