Vibrant Mexicans scale the German wall to stage a shock 1-0 win

22-year-old PSV striker Hirving Lozano strikes the game's only goal to hand his team a historic win against the defending champions.

Full-time match report:

The first upset of the FIFA World Cup 2018 is upon us as Mexico defeated today Germany 1-0 in a Group F contest at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. And they did it in style. The Mexicans launched counters after counters and while many of them ended in nothing but the cheer of their fans, one of them broke through German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, giving the Mexicans their first victory in the tournament. 

Joachim Low named a strong starting 11 in a 4-2-3-1 of which six played in the World Cup final in 2014. Timo Werner made the cut upfront while Manuel Neuer returns between the sticks after enduring a long spell out due to injuries. Mexico also started an attacking line-up in a 4-3-3 formation with Javier Hernandez and Carlos Vela upfront. But it was 22-year-old Hirving Lozano who stole the show with his goal, the lone goal in a match in which Germany alone took 26 shots! Although, most of them weren't really threatening enough.

The Mexicans were on song from the very beginning and moved the ball around very quickly, giving the Germans little time on the ball. They especially relied on the counters, and they launched many of them. Lozano was especially brilliant down the left flank and it finally paid off in the 34th minute when he was fed by Hernandez. The PSV winger cut inside and fired the ball into the net and beyond Neuer's reach. The Germans tried to respond in kind but found going difficult under the spirited Mexicans.

The Germans began the second half in more control and dominated the possession. The Mexicans sat back, relying only on the counter-attacks, which they got only around the 70th minute. But despite having the possession of the ball, the Germans couldn't create enough clear-cut chances, although they did have a lot of tries in the meantime. Most of the efforts were from the distance or plain unthreatening. The Mexican fans kept cheering their team, who could have had more goals to their credit had they finished off more of their chances which they created later in the game.

The full-backs of Germany, especially Kimmich, who were playing in an advanced role left space in the back and the Mexicans repeatedly exploited that. In fact, the first goal came after Kimmich was nowhere to be found on his flank during a counter. Although, the converted right-back did have a few shots at the goal himself, none of them came close to being a goal.

The Mexicans did have opportunities to double their lead, all in counters. Carlos Vela missed a glorious chance after Hernandez played him the ball but his poor touch failed him as the German defence recovered. The Germans replaced Marco Reus with Sami Khedira, and also brought in veteran striker Mario Gomez. Even Kimmich made an extraordinary effort as he tried a bicycle-kick inside the box. The ball looped up and went narrowly above the net. 

Mexican captain Rafael Marquez came in later in the game and equalled the record of playing in five World Cups. He also became the first player to captain a side in four World Cups. Mexico had a few more go at the goal but nothing came out of it. On the other side, Germany kept on attacking but a resilient Mexican defence gave them nothing to exploit and most of the chances were either fancy or long-rangers. 

Mexico were superb throughout in the performance that only lacked for some time after the start of the second half. This unexpected win has shot them to the top of Group F and they will feel they now have a genuine chance of advancing from the group, having beaten their toughest opponents. 

As for Germany, this result shouldn't really worry them because they can still advance after beating Sweden and South Korea in the group, which they are expected to. However, the fact that the last two defending champions have exited the competition at the group stage and their own performance in this match should keep them on their toes.

Live updates:

Minute 88 -- Germany have taken 21 shots but none of them have gone in! Brandt is the latest to take a shot which narrowly misses the target.

Minute 86-- Timo Werner is substituted for Julian Brandt.

Minute 80 -- Two more counters in quick succession by Mexico who fail to make the most of both chances.

Minute 79 -- An attacking change by Germany as Plattenhardt is replaced by Mario Gomez.

Minute 77 --It's becoming too repetitive now. Another counter by Mexico as Layun tries to beat Neuer from a distance but misses the target

Minute 72: Rafael Marquez equals record of playing in five World Cups as he is brought in for Guadrado. Marquez also takes the captain's arm-band, in the process also becoming the first player to captain a side in four World Cups.

Minute 69-- Mexico go on a break, again. Layun gives a pin-point pass to Hernandez, who is caught up by Hummels. The Mexicans falls over and appeals for penalty. The refree isn't interested.

Minute 66 -- Mexico's hero of the match Lozano is taken off for Raul Jimenez

Minute 65 -- Joshua Kimmich makes an extra-ordinary effort to draw Germany level with Mexico as he tries a bicycle-kick inside the box. The ball loops up and goes narrowly above the net


Minute 59: Germany make their first change. Marco Reus comes in for under-whelming Sami Khedira

Minute 56: Andres Guardado misses a glorious chance to double Mexico's lead. It's a counter yet again. Two players are through on goal. Hernandez plays the ball to Vela but a poor first-touch fails him as the German defence recovers.

Minute 57: Carlos Vela is substituted out for Alvarez Edson Alvarez

Minute 54: Mexico have been sloppy in possession since the restart while the Germans have been dictating the share on the ball. Although, they haven't been able to truly test the Mexican keeper. Draxler takes a swing but can only manage a corner out of it.
 

Second-half begins

Trivia:

--  After scoring with four of his five shots on target in the Concacaf World Cup 2018 qualifiers, Hirving Lozano managed to score with his first shot on target in the World Cup finals. (Source: OptaJoe)
 

-- The last time Germany conceded first in a World Cup match and went on to win was back in 1998, versus Mexico (2-1). (Source: OptaJoe)

Half-time report:

Half-time report: Woah! What. A. First. Half. Nothing like what many would have expected and nothing like how Germany would have liked things to be. Mexico are ahead by 1-0 at the half-time against the mighty Germans and it's not even a fluke. They have been all over the Germans who have found it difficult to get into their game under immense pressure from the Mexicans. The Mexicans got most and best of the chances, usually on the counter. Lozano has been especially brilliant and it finally paid off in the 34th minute when he was fed by Hernandez on the left. The PSV winger cut inside and fired the ball into the net and beyond Neuer's reach. The Germans tried to respond in kind but have found going difficult under the spirited Mexicans who must be feeling they can take all three points from this game. But it's still only one-half. The Germans are known for their resilience and there is more than just a chance they will make a come-back in the game in the second half. Stay tuned!


Live updates: 

Minute 37 -- The Germans responed brilliantly to going down a goal but Kimmich is brought down at the edge of the box. 

Kires fires a free-kick but Mexico's Ochoa palms the ball over the bar.

Minute 34 -- It looked like it was coming any time and it has in the 34th minute. Mexico break for the nth time. Hernandez leads the break and feeds Lozano on the left who cuts inside and slots the ball into the bottom left-hand corner. Mexico 1- Germany 0

Minute 24: Germany's Joshua Kimmich is awarded the first yellow card of the match who catches Herrera with a high boot.

Minute 23: Mexico look dangerous whenever they break, which they are doing time and again. But their attempts are being thawrted by the German defence. This time Hernandez takes a shot which is blocked by Boateng.

Minute 19-- It's end-to-end stuff at the Luzhniki Stadium. Werner gets at the end of a loafted ball but tamley pokes it straight to Mexico's goalkeeper.

Minute 13 -- Mexico are keeping high-line and pressing hard. Kross falls after being hounded by Guarardo and picks up the ball, believing he was fouled. But the refree awards free-kick to Mexico. Moreno gets at the end of the free-kick and heads it but Neuer comfortably stops it.


Minute 7 -- First free-kick of the game as Mats Hummels bundles Carlos Vela down near the box . Miguel Layun takes the resulting free-kick but shoots it well over the bar.


Minute 3 -- Germany's first attack as Timo Werner runs down the right and drives a shot that narrowly misses the target. Scintillating start to the game.

Minute 1 -- Mexico start confidently and moved the ball around quickly. Hirving Lozano skips past a defender and takes a shot but Jerome Boateng slides in and cuts the shot out.

Peeeeppppp! Kick-off!

Lineups analysis:

Joachim Low names a strong starting 11 of which six played in the World Cup final in 2014. Mesut Ozil is preferred over Marco Reus while Timo Werner starts upfront. Also, a certain Manuel Neuer returns between the sticks after enduring a long spell out due to injuries.

Mexico have started an attacking line-up in a 4-3-3 formation. Javier Hernandez starts upfront along with Carlos Vela.

germany

Trivia:
-- Germany have won their opening game in each of the last seven World Cups, including scoring 20 goals in their last four openers (8 v Saudi Arabia in 2002, 4 v Costa Rica in 2006, 4 v Australia in 2010, 4 v Portugal in 2014). (Source: Optajoe)

Confirmed Line-ups: 

Germany starting 11: Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Marvin Plattenhardt, Sami Khedira, Toni Kross, Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Julian Draxler, Timo Werner (4-2-3-1)

Mexico starting 11: Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Salcedo, Hugo Ayala, Hector Moreno, Jesus Gallardo, Miguel Layum, Andrés Guardado, Hector Herrera, Carlos Vela, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano (4-3-3)



 

 

Match Preview: Germany vs Mexico

Defending champions Germany will kick-off their title defence when they take on Mexico in a Group F match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium here on Sunday.

In their previous 11 meetings, Germany have won six times while the South Americans managed just a single win.

Germany, the 2014 World cup holders, qualified top of their group in UEFA qualification, winning every game and amassing a goal difference of plus 39 while 

Mexico under the unpredictable Juan Carlos Osorio, topped their fourth round and fifth round groups, losing only once in 16 games. 

The Manuel Neuer-led side, however, haven't been at their best this year as Germany managed to win just one of their four international friendlies in 2018. While they defeated Saudi Arabia 2-1, they suffered losses against Brazil and Austria.

The biggest concern for Germany was the fitness of their star players Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng. Later, Neuer recovered from a serious foot injury to be fit for the mega event.

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez

Mexico too, have a settled squad.

With the likes of Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado, Mexico's biggest strength lies in the midfield. The duo will be supported by either Jonathan dos Santos or Marco Fabian, whoever gets a chance in today's game.

Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta will lead the Mexican attack. Also, Javier Hernandez and Raul Jimenez are the other two contenders for the striker's slot.

When and where to watch:

FIFA World Cup 2018 Germany vs Mexico match will take place on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 8.30 PM 

Germany vs Mexico will be broadcast on Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD in English Commentary and Sony Ten 3 and Sony 3 HD in Hindi Commentary.

Germany vs Mexico match will be available for live streaming on Sony Liv. And Both Airtel and Jio would broadcast the Fifa World Cup 2018 matches for free to their respective subscribers

This is full 23-man squad of Germany and Mexico:

Mexico squad:

Goalkeepers: Jose Corona, Alfredo Talavera, Guillermo Ochoa

Defenders: Hugo Ayala, Carlos Salcedo, Marquez Rafael, Diego Reyes, Hector Moreno, Herrera Hector, Alvarez Edson

Midfielders: Dos Santos Jonathan, Layum Miguel, Dos Santos Giovani, Corona Jesus, Guardado Andres, Aquino Javier, Gallardo Jesus

Forwards: Fabian Marco,  Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vela,  Javier Hernandez, Peralta Oribe, Lozano Hirving

Mexico Football Squad. (Photo: @miseleccionmx twitter)

 

Formation and tactics: Mexico line-up in a sort of a 4-3-3 or a 3-1-3-3, with a back three. A playmaker, usually Andres Guardado sits in front of the defenders. The wide men go high up the pitch while the wingers are responsible for creating something.

Key players: Javier Hernandez. Creativity comes from the wide front men, especially Lozano, who should announce himself as a real talent on the world stage, something Eredivisie watchers have known for a while

Trivia: Rafael Márquez is featuring in his fifth different World Cup finals tournament in Russia, equalling the record currently held by Antonio Carbajal (Mexico) and Lothar Matthäus (Germany).

Germany squad:

Goalkeepers: Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Antonio Rüdiger (Chelsea), Niklas Süle (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Midfielders: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Mesut Özil (Arsenal), Julian Draxler (Paris Saint-Germain), Ilkay Gündogan (Manchester City), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen).

Forwards: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Timo Werner (Leipzig), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich).

Formation and tactics: Germany line up in a 4-2-3-1. Defensively, Germany press high. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels are solid centre-backs who relentlesslymfortable on the ball. The Germans press relentlessly, with their aim being to win the ball back, and then counter-attack using their wide men. Their full-backs also push up and help with the ball. They like to build from the back and keep possession of the ball. Toni Kross and mesut Ozil will be responsible for creating chances for their teams, while Sami Khedira will be the man looking to win the ball back. Up front, Germany have experimented. Thomas Muller is the team's main goal threat but Timo Werner is also an excellent choice. In goal, Manuel Neuer is expected to make his return, and if not, Marc-Andre ter Stegen can more than makeup for him.

Key players: Germany is a system-based team in which the system is more important than the players, despite most of them being global superstars (case in point: Leroy Sane, who was dropped for tactical reasons). Still, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller will need to click for the Die Mannschaft to play well.

Trivia: Only Joshua Kimmich (9) provided more assists in 2018 European World Cup qualifying than Serbia's Dusan Tadic (7). Also, Germany has reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in each of the last four editions, the longest current streak of any team, as well as topping their group in every single World Cup since 1990.