‘In shock:’ Saskatoon fans react to German World Cup loss

Packed into the lounge at Saskatoon’s Club Concordia, German-Canadians watched as their beloved team crashed out of the World Cup in Russia.

About 40 die-hard Deutschland fans cheered every chance, shaking their heads at missed shots from the 2014 champions.

They knew their team needed a win, as Sweden was on their way to beating Mexico 3-0 — moving three points ahead of Germany in Group F’s standings.

When South Korea’s Kim Young-Gwan scored in the 92nd minute, the crowd groaned.

“Oh no,” one woman yelled.

There was a brief moment of hope when the Korean scorer was flagged offside, but a video review confirmed the goal.

Some fans shifted in their chairs, others stared blankly while shaking their heads.

After video review the goal counts for #KOR and it looks like #GER is out. This Concordia crowd is deflated. #yxe pic.twitter.com/yYvSQd76ck

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) June 27, 2018

When the second goal was netted a few minutes later, the exodus began.

Brad Naher expressed what many in the room were feeling.

“I can’t believe it. I’m in shock,” he said.

The loss meant Germany exited the World Cup in the tournament’s first round for the first time since 1938.

James Zick said his team didn’t deserve to move on.

“It’s not like we had all these chances and they snuck it away from us,” he said.

“All tournament they haven’t looked good.”

So who will German fans cheer for now? Zick said it’s too soon.

“I haven’t gotten to that point yet,” he said.

As for Naher, he’s thinking he’ll cheer for a team from the continent he currently lives on — and a team that contributed to Germany’s ultimate defeat.

“Mexico’s a North American team,” he said.