Germany vs Mexico Review

Germany 0-1 Mexico 

Well that was entertaining, Mexico vs Germany was superb with the hosts being outclassed an beaten by an excellent Mexican team. Germany get their title retainment challenge off to a chaotic start thanks to Hirving Lozano's goal and a strong goalkeeping display from Guillermo Ochoa. 

Hirving Lozano's first-half goal, which caused an earthquake in Mexico was the difference between the two sides in an encounter in Moscow that you couldn't take your eyes off, but nobody really expected the surprising result, which wasn't Joachim Low's only concern. 

His disjointed side looked unbelievably vulnerable on the break, and with defensive talents of Jerome Boeteng, Mats Hummels and Joshua Kimmich, shocked everyone. The counter attack proved to be their downfall, and West Ham forward Javier Hernandez punished them with the assist that set up Lozano to cut inside and fire home.

Real Madrid's Toni Kroos almost replied instantly with a free-kick but Guillermo Ochoa managed a crucial save lined with quality and tipped it on to the bar. Julian Brandt, who pipped Leroy Sane to a place in the squad hit a rocket of a shot that hit the wrong side of the post, which was really the closest the holders came to an equaliser. Despite facing some continual and ever increasing late pressure, Mexico held on to inflict a first World Cup defeat on Die Mannschaft since they lost to Spain in the 2010 semi-final. The scoreline could have been worse with Mexico wasting 2 late chances, Raul Jimenez, who has just joined Sky Bet Championship Wolves on loan for the next season played a poor pass that was easily cut out, and Miguel Layun couldn't get enough bend on his effort, which went over and wide for a goal kick. This loss was also the first time a German side had lost their opening game of a World Cup since 1982, when West Germany were upset by an Algerian side. 

It could turn out to be a harmful defeat too. Germany, as will Mexico will still be expected to beat both Sweden and South Korea and progress to the knockouts, the runner-up in Group F will face a last-16 tie against the Group E winner, who is expected to be Brazil, which may prove to be beneficial for England.