The defending champions stunned by phenomenal Mexico in their opening game of the 2018 World Cup. Joachim Low’s side came into the tournament on a run of poor form. They just won only one of their six friendlies since qualifying for Russia 2018.
The recent struggles were evident from the outset against a vibrant Mexico who gave their heart out in the middle.
Mexico’s positive approach was rewarded with the only goal of the game after 35 minutes. Hirving Lozano finished off a flowing counter-attacking move with a crisp drive. Joshua Kimmich and Timo Werner both came close in the second period. But the men in green were able to hold on for a famous victory.
Manuel Neuer was handed a first competitive start since September, He could have conceded in the very beginning if Boateng had not superbly blocked Lozano’s close-range effort. Werner then fired a warning shot across the face of Guillermo Ochoa’s goal during a breathless opening few minutes.
Germany looked shell-shocked by Mexico’s verve and vigour. And, they fell behind 10 minutes before the break. That deserved lead nearly extinguished just two minutes later with something approaching relative comfort.
However, when Toni Kroos’ dipping free-kick arrowed towards the top corner, Ochoa did wonderfully well to deny the midfielder. He got the faintest of touches to push the ball against the crossbar.
Yet any thoughts that Low’s star-studded team would come out for the second half rejuvenated failed to materialise. The Mexicans were able to keep them at bay until Kimmich’s ambitious overhead kick and Werner’s instinctive close-range effort both flashed narrowly over.
After squandering a number of golden opportunities in the closing stages, Mexico were fortunate to see Julian Brandt’s half-volleyed effort clip the post in a frantic finish to proceedings.
The win gives Mexico three points and puts them in a golden spot to move on. While, Germany now can’t afford another slip up with South Korea and Sweden to come.
FT: Mexico 1-0 Germany
Lozano 35′