Joachim Low will discuss Germany future 'calmly' but 'incredibly disappointed' by World Cup elimination

Germany manager Joachim Low looks dejected following a 2-0 defeat to South Korea in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. Reuters

Joachim Low will consider his future as Germany manager after the defending World Cup champions suffered a shock group-stage elimination.

A 2-0 defeat to South Korea in Kazan following stoppage-time goals from Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min condemned the four-time champions to an ignominious bottom-place finish in Group F.

It is the first time since 1938 that Germany have failed to progress beyond the first stage of the tournament and national newspaper Bild led the fierce criticism, topping its on-the-whistle report with the line: "This is the biggest disgrace in German World Cup history."

Former captain Lothar Matthaus, who lifted the World Cup with West Germany in 1990, wrote on Twitter: "This is a very sad afternoon."

WATCH: Germany fans in tears following World Cup exit

Low's tenure is under considerable scrutiny, and despite signing a four-year contract last month, he admitted he would take time to reflect on his future.

Asked whether he will continue in the role he has held for the past 12 years, Low, 58, told a press conference: "That's hard to say. Of course, it takes a couple of hours to look into that. I'm shocked, I'm shocked because we didn't manage to pull it off.

"Where we go from here, we'll have to talk about it calmly. It will take me some hours now to come to terms with it. I'm incredibly disappointed by this elimination."

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Germany recovered from their opening defeat to Mexico by snatching a dramatic win over Sweden courtesy of a stoppage-time goal from Toni Kroos.

And victory over South Korea would have been enough to progress after Sweden clinched a 3-0 victory against Mexico in Yekaterinburg.

However, Die Mannschaft were once again far from at their best, with defender Mats Hummels particularly wasteful in front of goal.

Kim was not so profligate when he fired home from close range – although he was initially given offside before a VAR review sparked renewed celebrations – and Son completed the job.

Asked about Kim's strike, which was allowed after Kroos was adjudged to have played the ball backwards, Low said: "The player was in an offside position – that's what I saw.

"But if the video referees have taken a different decision, then they will probably be right."

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Low and his players will return to Germany on Thursday, but with the manager dismissing suggestions that dark times could lie ahead.

He said: "Until quite recently, we have probably been the most consistent, in terms of performance, team in the past 10, 12 years.

"But we now are out and, of course, it's a case of absolute sadness and disappointment, but I think we have young players who are very talented and who have the opportunity to go forward."

The result sent shock waves through the tournament, with England manager Gareth Southgate saying: "Of course I am surprised. It has been unusual to see them struggle as much as they have."

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Read more on World Cup 2018:

World Cup 2018: Day 15 updates - Germany out, England take on Belgium

Failure on an epic scale: Germany suffer ultimate Low with historic World Cup exit

Germany 'deserved' to be eliminated at World Cup group stage, insists Joachim Low

Extra Time podcast: Messi finally comes through as World Cup knockout stages take shape

WATCH: Messi sits out training as Argentina prepare for World Cup clash with France 

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