Highlights, Germany vs Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2018, Match 10 in Moscow: Mexico stun Germany

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Defending champions Germany slump to a shock defeat!

Here’s a quick recap of the match:

Germany became the third defending champions in the last 16 years to lose their opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0.

Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez’s pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards.

France in 2002 and Spain in 2014 were the other defending champions to lose their opening matches.

After Lozano’s goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score even, palming Toni Kroos’ shot onto the crossbar.

Mexico pulled back into a more defensive formation midway through the second half as players tired and Germany attacked.

Brilliant performance from Hector Herrera!

Germany 0-1 Mexico

Take a look at the stats from the match

Huge win for Mexico!

Germany stunned by Mexico

Germany stunned by Mexico!

Germany become the fourth defending champions in the last five editions to fail to win their opening match at the World Cup after France (in 2002), Italy (in 2010) and Spain (in 2014).

FT! Mexico beat defending champions Germany!

Germany have suffered a shock defeat. It is not so much about the result as it was about the performance. Mexico deserved the three points and a more clinical side would have killed this match earlier. And oh, the possibility of a Brazil-Germany clash in the round of 16 is stronger now!

90+2` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Final chance for Germany as they win a corner. Neuer comes up to add to the German numbers in the box. Nothing comes off it.

90` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Three minutes of added time as Mexico edge towards a famous win. If they lose, Germany will become the second successive defending champion after Spain to lose their opening match.

89` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Brandt has been lively since coming on and he creates an opening for Reus but his shot is blocked. The ball is recycled back to Brandt whose volley kisses the outside of the post with Ochoa beaten.

88` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Mexico fans in incredible voice as the final whistle nears. No nerves as of now.

86` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Timo Werner replaced by Julian Brandt. Expect pace, more dribbling, and hopefully for Germany’s sake, decent final balls.

84` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Hummels goes into the referee’s book.

83` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Germany break on the counter with Gomez scooping the ball to Werner, who may have been offside. There was too much pace on the ball and Werner is forced to drift to the left. Germany try to create an opening before Kroos shoots. Ochoa saves low to his right.

82` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Muller becomes the first German to go into the referee’s book.

80` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Mexico break and it is a 3-v-2 situation with Jimenez, Hernandez and Layun up against Boateng and Hummels. Jimenez looks to set Layun free on the right but his pass comes off Hummels’ trailing leg.

78` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Mario Gomez coming on, for Marvin Plattenhardt. Low has seen enough and he decides to field another striker as Germany move closer to Mexico’s goal.

77` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Layun misses a difficult chance to extend Mexico’s lead. Marquez breaks up the German attack and sets Layun away on the counter. He’s all on his own and he manages to get past Hummels before having a go at goal but it sails over.

75` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Kross comes to close yet again but just seem to get his shot on target. He gets the ball from Kimmich and looks to slide it into the bottom corner from outside the box but his shot flies past the post.

73` Germany 0-1 Mexico

A clear shift in intent from Osorio as Rafael Marquez (remember him?) replaces Guardado. It’ll be all about defending henceforth.

72` Germany 0-1 Mexico

39-year-old Rafael Marquez comes on to make history as he becomes only the second player to play in five World Cups. He replaces Andres Guardado.

69` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Shouts for a Mexican penalty as Chicharito goes down in the box. He times his run perfectly into the box but is put under pressure by Hummels. Fervent appeals for a penalty but the referee is unmoved. VAR also seems to agree with the referee’s decision.

67` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Ilkay Gündogan would be better suited to the role Özil is playing at the moment but there is no sign of him coming off the bench right now.

66` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Werner and Draxler squander two really good chances within a space of 30 seconds. Draxler is found on the right by a cross but he takes time to get his shot away and it’s deflected behind. From the corner, Ozil swings in a cross which is flicked on by Hummels to Werner at the back post but Werner skies his volley.

64` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Boateng strides forward and spots an unmarked Kimmich near the penalty spot and pings in a cross. The cross is behind Kimmich but he improvises and looks to execute a bicycle kick but the ball lands on the roof of the net.

63` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Mexico have also beefed their midfield by replacing Carlos Vela with the more defensive-minded Edison Alvarez.

62` Germany 0-1 Mexico

The introduction of Marco Reus sees Ozil drop a bit deeper, providing Germany with a different passing solution in the centre of the pitch.

59` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Both sides make their first change. Carlos Vela makes way for Edson Alvarez while Marco Reus comes on for his first World Cup appearance. He replaces Khedira.

56` Germany 0-1 Mexico. Vela squanders a chance to make it 2-0

Germany lose possession and Mexico break with Hernandez. It’s a 2-v-1 situation with Hernandez and Vela up against Boateng. Hernandez squares the ball to Vela but it is just too much for Vela as a chance is wasted.

55` Germany 0-1 Mexico

It takes Germany ten minutes in the second half to build concerted pressure. A few misplaced passes have stymied their effort. For Mexico, though, this is a pretty good situation. They are built to play counterattacking football and more opportunities will materialise if the score remains the same.

54` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Draxler nearly levels it up for the Germans. His run into the box is spotted by Ozil who puts in a perfectly weighted ball to the PSG man. Draxler looks to curl into the far post but his shot takes a huge deflection and wrong-foots Ochoa in goal. Unfortunately for Draxler, the ball evades the goal.

50` Germany 0-1 Mexico

It has been an interesting battle between Lozano and Kimmich on the left so far. Two immensely talented youngsters up against each other and so far, Lozano has had the better match. He tries to get past Kimmich and run parallel to the byline but takes a heavy touch as the ball goes out of play.

46` Germany 0-1 Mexico

This is the story of the match so far

Germany are in an unfamiliar position for a World Cup opener — trailing at half-time. Hirving Lozano scored from 14 yards out in the 35th minute to give Mexico a 1-0 lead in Moscow. He took a pass from Javier Hernandez and wrong-footed Mesut Ozil to score his eighth international goal.

Both sides put pressure on the goalkeepers in a high-energy first half at Luzhniki Stadium. Germany had five shots on goal to Mexico’s four. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stopped a header just short of the goal line. Germany have won their last seven World Cup openers, outscoring opponents 20-2 in its last four.

No changes for either side at halftime as the second half gets underway.

Stat attack!

Take a look at the stats from the first half

HT. Germany 0-1 Mexico

Are you complaining?

HT! Germany 0-1 Mexico

Half-time and it’s not looking great for Germany. Even though Kroos struck the bar with his freekick, it’s Mexico which looks likely to score the next goal. Germany do not need any personnel changes in particular but they must show more intensity and tactical discipline.

45` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Mexico get on the attack and Hummels is too slow to close down Vela whose shot flies just past the post.

44` Germany 0-1 Mexico

Word.

43` Germany 0-1 Mexico

42` Germany 0-1 Mexico

It’s shocking how open Germany are at the moment. Easy for Mexico to cut through the opponent when there is immense space between defence and midfield.

37` Germany 0-1 Mexico. Kross hits the crossbar!

Lozano gives away a dangerous free-kick after bringing down Kimmich 25 yards from goal. Kroos steps up and his shot seems destined to find the back of the net but Ochoa palms it on to the crossbar!

35` Hirving Lozano scores!

Another break for Mexico and this time they make it count. Hernandez had the good sense of finding Hirving Lozano on the left, who cut inwards with ease before beating Neuer at the near post.

30` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Germany have been very poor today defensively. Lozano looks to create a chance but Boateng gets in the way. Khedira looks to play out from the back instead of hoofing the ball away. Muller fails to control the ball and Lozano pounces on the error and squares the ball to Layun. However, his shot is weak and Neuer saves comfortably.

26` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Mexico are finding joy on the left as Joshua Kimmich pushes up in characteristic fashion. If not for a poor final ball, the Mexicans could have taken a surprise lead.

25` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Now the Germans get a free-kick deep in the Mexican half. Kroos finds Hummels at the back post who heads it towards the danger area but Mexico get it away.

24` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Germany are in control here, even though Mexico look threatening. Julian Draxler has been particularly impressive, offering a direct threat on the left flank.

23` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Kimmich commits a foul on the left and Mexico prepare to once again trouble the German defence. However, Moreno fouls Khedira as he tries to win a header and Germany get a free-kick.

19` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Werner gets at the end of a long ball and despite spotting Draxler free, shoots but shoots straight at Ochoa.

18` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Vela spots Hernandez’s run inside the box and finds him. The winger looks to settle himself down to try and shoot but the German defence manages to clear away.

15` Germany 0-0 Mexico. Salcedo almost gifts Germany the opener!

Kimmich swings in a delightful free-kick towards Khedira in the box but the Juventus man misses his header only for Salcedo to get a touch on the ball. Thankfully for him and Mexico, the ball rolls just past the post.

13` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Mexico are causing a lot of trouble for the German defence and they aren’t helped by Toni Kross giving away a needless free-kick on the right. To be fair to the Real Madrid man, he thought he was fouled and picked the ball only for the referee to give it the other way. Layun swings in the free-kick and Hector Moreno gets his head on it but Neuer saves.

12` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Mexico are one of the more tactically interesting sides in this tournament. They play a high defensive line and seek to compress the pitch. But it is not a very well-drilled unit and easy to cut through for a side of Germany’s calibre. However, when they do get their game right, Mexico can be fast and direct in attack as Germany have already found out.

11` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Ozil looks to find Kimmich’s run to the byline. The pass is too deep and Kimmich’s attempted cross is slowed down by a diving Gallardo as Ochoa gets the ball.

10` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Hector Herrera has a crack at goal from 30 yards out but Neuer scampers to keep it out. It has been a frenzied start to the match.

9` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Mexico with a good chance to score as Hummels brings down Vela 25 yards from goal. Lozano fancies it but his shot sails comfortably over goal.

6` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Muller wins a corner from nothing. Germany take it short and play it inside the box trying to shoot. Hummels manages to get his shot away but it has no real pace on it and Ochoa pouches it.

5` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Mexico are playing Miguel Layun as a midfielder on the right, possibly to bring defensive ballast on that flank for Salcedo. Layun usually functions as a full-back

3` Germany 0-0 Mexico

At the other end, Timo Werner has a crack at goal from the right but his shot fizzes past the far post. Brilliant start to the match!

2` Germany 0-0 Mexico

Fantastic start from Mexico! Carlos Vela slips the ball to Lozano who had managed to sneak into the box. Surely he will score but Jerome Boateng with a last-ditch tackle puts it behind. From the corner, no one manages to get a head on the ball and it strikes Plattenhardt and falls in front of goal. Neuer quick to ponce on the loose ball.

Team news 

Mexico field an expected starting XI, with Hugo Ayala in defence as the replacement for the injured Diego Reyes. As for Germany, two notable selections on the left flank. Marvin Plattenhardt gets the nod ahead of Jonas Hector while Marco Reus will have to wait for his World Cup debut as Julian Draxler starts.

Another key decision for Mexico’s coach Juan Osorio was to decide whether to field Giovani dos Santos or not. He has taken note of his fitness and form issues, picking Jesus Gallardo instead

We’re minutes away from kickoff!

The teams are out! We’re moments away from kickoff

Mesut Ozil starts despite furore over meeting with Turkish president

Germany are starting with Mesut Ozil in midfield for their World Cup opener against Mexico, while Marco Reus is on the bench.

Ozil’s start follows weeks of debate in Germany over his decision to pose for a photo with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan along with teammate Ilkay Gundogan. Some German politicians and media questioned whether the players, who are of Turkish heritage, were sufficiently committed to Germany.

Manuel Neuer starts in goal despite missing most of the club season with a foot fracture. Marvin Plattenhardt is in at left back; German media reported Jonas Hector has an illness.

Mexican fans make themselves heard at the Luzhniki stadium

Mexico fans in full voice for the match against Germany at the Luzhniki Stadium. In comparison, there’s a smaller German contingent here. But the Germans are in good voice in the north end.

Mexican fans’ homophobic chant for opposition goalkeepers to be dropped

Mexico fans are agreeing among themselves not to chant what is considered a homophobic slur at the World Cup in Russia to avoid FIFA sanctions.

Instead of the chant, Mexicans plan to sing songs related to a couple of recent scandals in their country at Sunday’s Group F match against Germany.

Mexico’s Football Federation has been fined previously for the chant that fans shout out in unison every time the opposing goalkeeper kicks the ball. Despite campaigns to try to stop it, the chant has continued in the Estadio Azteca in Mexico when the national team plays there.

At last year’s Confederations Cup in Russia amid FIFA threats to suspend a match, El Tri fans practically stopped chanting in the Russian stadium. For the World Cup, fans don’t plan to keep quiet like last year, but instead, modify the chants.

Stat attack!

Take a look at some interesting stats ahead of the Germany-Mexico clash

Javier Hernandez leads Mexico’s attack

West Ham United forward Hernandez leads the Mexican attack as they look to stun defending champions.

Mexico: Ochoa; Salcedo, Ayala, Moreno, Layun; Herrera, Guardado; Lozano, Gallardo, Vela; Hernandez

Mesut Ozil starts for Germany!

After speculations that Ozil might be dropped, Joachim Low has put his faith in the Arsenal star as he starts in their opener against Mexico.

Germany: Neuer; Kimmich, Hummels, Boateng, Plattenhardt; Khedira, Kroos; Müller, Özil, Draxler; Werner

Hello and welcome to Firstpost’s live coverage of Germany vs Mexico!

Defending champions Germany take on Mexico in their Group F clash as they aim to get their title defence off on a winning note.