Germany were finally put out of their misery as South Korea came away with a 2-0 victory which saw the Germans crash out of the World Cup at the group stages for the first time in their history.
The Germans looked completely devoid of creativity and motivation, and something is clearly wrong in the German camp. On the other hand, South Korea put in a gutsy performance and were rewarded for their phenomenal physical effort.
Here are four things we learned from the German capitulation.
1. Joachim Low Is in Trouble
Germany's head coaching position is one which comes with lofty expectations. Low has normally delivered, reaching at least the semi finals in all of the five tournaments in which he has led Germany.
His side did not deserve to qualify for the next round, and looked second best in all of their matches. Leaving out Manchester City's Leroy Sane, who was involved in more goals at club level than any other German player this season, will certainly leave Low with questions to ask.
Whatever the issue was during this tournament, it needs to be identified and resolved as soon as possible. More often than not, that starts with the manager.
2. It Is Time for the Old Guard to Pass the Torch
Joachim Low has been accused by many of remaining too attached to the group of players who were victorious in 2014, and his exclusion of Leroy Sane in favour of some older midfielders, such as Mesut Ozil, will be seriously scrutinised.
Nicklas Sule looked very solid in defence, unlike Jerome Boateng in the previous matches. This will almost certainly be the last World Cup for the majority of this German squad, as they have a habit of producing some exciting young talent.
Low himself could well be viewed as part of the old guard, as he looked tactically outdated throughout the tournament.
3. Timo Werner Is Not Ready to Lead the Attack
The only example of a more senior figure looked better suited to the task, Timo Werner looked completely unprepared for the challenge against South Korea. When he was deployed out wide to facilitate Mario Gomez's introduction, it worked against Werner on two levels.
Firstly, it exposed Werner's inability to create chances. He had spent the majority of the first half on the wing, leaving his side without a threat in the penalty area. As a winger, he failed to complete crosses and was guilty of turning over possession.
Secondly, Gomez looked a threat during the second half. He missed a few good opportunities, but the fact that he was in these situations highlighted that sometimes experience is necessary. Werner has been linked with an expensive transfer this summer, but may have caused any potential buyers to hesitate.
4. South Korea Deserve Credit
South Korea were still in with an outside chance to qualify and certainly gave their all in their attempts. Players showcased phenomenal amounts of stamina to stifle the German attack, and tried to attack with speed and creativity.
Unfortunately for South Korea, they tended to lack the quality to punish the Germans. Passes were often sloppy or ill advised, but they fully deserved their clean sheet.
They tried to exploit the German disappointment after Sweden took the lead against Mexico, and gave their all from start to finish. Defenders made several good blocks but found themselves rarely tested by the Germans.