Germany ponders first-round exit

Germany ponders first-round exit

Published Jun. 18, 2010 9:03 p.m. ET

Germany's surprise 1-0 loss to Serbia leaves the three-time champion pondering the unthinkable - first-round elimination from the World Cup.

Germany was impressive in its 4-0 opening victory over Australia but was brought back down to earth harshly on Friday - due largely to mistakes by two team veterans and a determined Serbia side.

Germany's predicament was much of its own doing - striker Miroslav Klose was sent off in the 37th minute and Lukas Podolski had a 60th-minute penalty saved by Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojakovic.

Milan Jovanovic scored at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium one minute after Klose's second booking, both for rough tackling.

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