Korea Republic's World Cup squad was officially disbanded on Friday after its return from Russia 2018. The Taeguk Warriors failed to reach the Round of 16 after finishing third in Group F. They lost 1-0 to Sweden and fell 2-1 to Mexico but stunned defending champions Germany 2-0.

After their four-year journey to football's showpiece event ended with regrets, Korea Republic will now move on to the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia, where they will be defending their gold medal.

The men's football competition at the Asian Games will be held from August 14 to September 1 with 32 teams.

Only players born in or after January 1995 are eligible to take part in the men's football competition at the Asian Games, but a maximum of three players who are older than 23 can also be included on the official list of 20 players.

The players, Son assured the fans, would not allow the result - which eliminated 2014 FIFA World Cup winners Germany - to make them complacent.

"I am sorry to our fans that we didn't live up to our promise of reaching the knockout stage," Son said. "But I think we all saw some hope from the win over Germany.

"However, the win over Germany doesn't mean we are satisfied. We will continue to work hard," said the Tottenham Hotspur forward.

Kim scored the first goal at the end of regulation time before Son Heung-min gave Shin Tae-yong’s side a decisive second that ensured the Koreans departed Russia on a high despite exiting the competition.

Shin’s team needed to win the game by two clear goals but also required Mexico to beat Sweden if they were to advance to the last 16, only for the Swedes to win 3-0 as both they and the Mexicans progressed.

Having already lost to Sweden and Mexico in Group F, the Taeguk Warriors went into the game with only slight hope of advancing to the knockout rounds, but they delivered a performance full of vigour, discipline and passion to round off their tournament on a high.

With Sweden three up against Mexico, Shin Tae-yong’s team were all but out when Kim opened the scoring in stoppage time. Four minutes later, Son ran half the length of the pitch to roll into an empty net and spark joyous celebrations to cap a game that will live long in the memory.

In one of the great World Cup upsets, Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min both scored in added time to condemn footballing superpower Germany to their first opening-round exit in 80 years.

The win over Germany on Wednesday came after defeats to Mexico and Sweden, and they finished above the four-time World Cup winners on goal difference in Group F.

"We didn't make it to the round of 16... but we sent the world number one packing," said a headline in Seoul's major Dong-A daily.

"We are so proud of you," the newspaper said on its front page.

The win wasn't enough for Korea Republic to advance to the Round of 16, with Sweden defeating Mexico 3-0 to seal top spot in Group F, but it is a result which will be celebrated across Asia.

It was a historic win as it is the first time an Asian team has beaten the reigning World Cup champions in any official match.

Jo produced yet another outstanding performance as Korea Republic sent the defending champions crashing out in the Group F clash at the Kazan Arena and was deservingly named Man-of-the-Match.

There was no other more deserving candidate, although late goals by Kim Young-gwon and Son Heung-min meant Korea Republic exited the 2018 FIFA World Cup with the record of being the first Asian team to beat the reigning World Cup champions in an official match.

Jo, 26, was amazing as Germany had 26 shots - six of which were on target - and his heroics were passionately applauded.