Defending champions Germany start their World Cup-defence against Mexico in the second game of Super Sunday.
Given the reputation of the two nations, Germany will be favourites to win this match. The last time these two teams had met, Germany had won 4-1 at last year’s Confederations Cup.
However, going by the current form, Germany would have their task cut out in the opener. The Mannschaft were not convincing in the build-up to the tournament, suffering a string of poor losses. In their last warm-up game, they registered an unconvincing 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia. That win was Germany’s solitary victory since they qualified for the tournament.
20 Spieler ✔️ 3 Torhüter ✔️ Abschlusstraining ✔️#GERMEX #ZSMMN #WM2018 pic.twitter.com/8j6ZlRUaVB
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) June 16, 2018
The German camp has also faced controversies in recent times. Their midfielders Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan were jeered by Germany fans in recent friendlies after posing for a photograph alongside Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
On the other hand, Mexico qualified with ease for a seventh consecutive World Cup. They had secured their place with three matches to spare. However, just like Germany, they have also failed to convince in the warm-up games. They have lost to Denmark and Croatia in their warm-up matches and drawn against Wales.
Sportzwiki brings you all you need to know ahead of the clash between the two sides.
Venue and time:
Germany and Mexico will lock horns at the Luzhniki Stadium. The action will begin at 8:30 PM IST.
Players to look out for:
Singling out one player from the star-studded German lineup is pretty tough. Well, all eyes will be on their goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The Bayern Munich star will have a lot to prove as head coach Joachim Low trusted him to be the first-choice goalkeeper at the tournament having just made a return to full fitness after a long injury absence.
⛔ @Manuel_Neuer #ZSMMN #DieMannschaft #WM2018 pic.twitter.com/HfQnFZZzPi
— DFB-Team (@DFB_Team) June 15, 2018
For Mexico, Javier Hernandez will have to play a big role upfront.
Where to watch:
The Indians fans will enjoy an extensive coverage of the game. The English coverage will be shown on SONY TEN 2 SD and HD channels. The Hindi feed will be aired on SONY TEN 3 SD and HD channels. Bengali and Malayali feed will be available on SONY ESPN SD channel.
Squads:
| Position | Germany players |
| Goalkeepers | Neuer, Trapp, ter Stegen |
| Defenders | Plattenhardt, Hector, Ginter, Hummels, Sule, Rudiger, Boateng, Kimmich |
| Midfielders | Khedira, Draxler, Kroos, Ozil, Goretzka, Rudy, Brandt, Gundogan |
| Forwards | Werner, Reus, Muller, Gomez |
| Position | Mexico players |
| Goalkeepers | Ochoa, Talavera, Corona |
| Defenders | Salcedo, Reyes, Moreno, Ayala, Alvarez, Gallardo, Layun |
| Midfielders | Marquez, Herrera, Dos Santos, Dos Santos, Guardado, Fabian |
| Forwards | Hernandez, Jimenez, Peralta, Corona, Vela, Aquino, Lozano |
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