Vibrant Mexico stun champions Germany in Group F opener

- Thriller -

The stage was set for a cracker of a game when the lineups were announced, with two very exciting forward lines facing off. Javier Hernandez, who had been a doubt in the lead-up, was named alongside Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela, while Mesut Ozil and Manuel Neuer were also fit enough to play, completing an all-star German team.

There was no disappointment once the game kicked off, and there were chances from the off, with Lozano coming close within the first minute. The two sides traded attacks non-stop for the first ten minutes, and with some more accurate finishing there could have been two or three goals early on. 

- Lozano triggers an earthquake -

Although both teams had many opportunities, Mexico had slightly more of it, showing great pace and dynamism on the counter-attack, and they made it count in the 35th minute.

They sped up the field on the break, Andres Guardado and Chicharito carving Germany open, before feeding Lozano. The PSV forward was composed in the box, cutting inside before burying it at the front post to put 'El Tri' one up. The goal sent the travelling Mexican support wild, and there were reports that Mexico City experienced a minor seismic tremour at the time of the goal.

Germany turned up the heat as half-time approached, but this almost played into Mexico's hands on a few occasions. Both sides could have found the net before half-time, but the score was 0-1 as the teams walked in at half-time.

- Mexican resilience -

As was to be expected, the reigning champions increased the pressure in the second half. They dominated possession after the break, ramping it up the further the game went on.

Mexico, who still presented a threat on the counter attack, looked increasingly tired as the game went on, and were holding on for dear life towards the end. Joachim Low made two offensive changes as he urged his side on to find an equaliser, sacrificing Sami Khedira and Marvin Plattenhardt for Marco Reus and Mario Gomez.

However, despite spending vast periods of the second half in Mexico's half, Germany lacked a cutting edge in the final third, and couldn't find a way through their resilient opponents' defence. 

- Famous victory -

The referee brought it all to a close after three minutes of injury time, and the spirited Mexicans recorded an historic win over the world champions. It was the first time they'd ever beaten 'Die Mannschaft' in a competitive game, and the victory sent them to the top of Group F. 

Germany, who are bottom of the group for now, will be massively disappointed with the result, and will have to step it up a notch for their remaining two group games against Sweden and South Korea if they are to progress.

 

June 17, 2018