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Attendance: 78,011
Germany national football team
World Cup | Group Stage
Jun 17, 2018 at 4pm UK
 
Mexico national football team

0-1

FT(HT: 0-1)
Lozano (35')

Live Commentary: Germany 0-1 Mexico - as it happened

Relive Sports Mole's live coverage as Mexico record a 1-0 win over defending champions Germany in Sunday's World Cup clash in Moscow.
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Mexico have taken control of Group F courtesy of a 1-0 win over defending champions Germany in Sunday's World Cup clash in Moscow.

The only goal of the match came from Hirving Lozano in the first half, with the winger firing into the bottom corner from 10 yards after some brilliant build-up play from Javier Hernandez.

Germany had their moments - with Toni Kroos hitting the crossbar with a free kick and Mario Gomez sending a late header over - but Mexico deserved to record one of the most famous wins in their history.

Find out how all of the action unfolded at the Luzhniki Stadium courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.


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Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the World Cup meeting between Germany and Mexico. Group F is arguably the most competitive section of the first round but who will start their campaign with maximum points?

Before we start the build-up to this match, let's take a look at the team news! Joachim Low and Juan Carlos Osorio both had some important decisions to make ahead of kickoff in Moscow...

GERMANY XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Plattenhardt; Khedira, Kroos; Draxler, Muller, Ozil; Werner

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

Let's start by taking a look at the defending champions as Low opts to include Mesut Ozil in the starting lineup. The Arsenal playmaker has only recently returned to training after injury, but Low picks him in a creative midfield three alongside Julian Draxler and Thomas Muller.

Timo Werner has been given the nod in attack with Mario Gomez having to make do with a place among the replacements. Gomez possesses the greater experience but Werner is rewarded for starting his international career with eight goals from 14 appearances.

As expected, Manuel Neuer starts in goal - despite missing the domestic campaign through injury - while Marvin Plattenhardt - an alleged target for Everton - features at left-back despite being the most inexperienced outfield player in the squad. Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels start at centre-back.

Marco Reus has only been named on the bench, as has Julian Brandt whose selection in the squad led to Leroy Sane missing out. Ilkay Gundogan is also on the bench amid the controversy of the last week or so.

As for Mexico, Osorio has decided to hand a recall to Javier Hernandez. The West Ham United frontman missed out in the last two friendlies but the striker has been preferred to new Wolverhampton Wanderers man Raul Jimenez.

Hernandez is joined in attack by both Carlos Vela and Hirving Lozano. Vela is now at Los Angeles FC after an impressive spell with Real Sociedad while Lozano is coming off the back of a positive season with PSV Eindhoven and will no doubt be looking to enhance his chances of a switch to a top European club after this tournament.

Andres Guardado will skipper the team in midfield with the 31-year-old making his 146th appearance for his country today, while Porto man Hector Herrera offers support in the centre of the pitch. Former Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Giovani dos Santos misses out.

Osorio is blessed with experience at the back but Rafael Marquez - as expected - has been left out. The 39-year-old is featuring at his fifth World Cup but the former Barcelona defender is unlikely to play any part of this contest.

Germany head into this tournament looking to defend the crown which they won four years ago, but Low has acknowledged that his team may find it difficult to win a second successive Jules Rimet Trophy. Click here to read his thoughts.

Their task has been made tougher with a poor set of results in the build-up to this tournament. Only one victory has been recorded in six attempts - a narrow 2-1 success against Saudi Arabia!

However, after a routine qualification campaign, Germany went all out to secure themselves a number of high-profile friendlies. Draws were registered against England, France and Spain, while defeats have come versus Brazil and Austria.

However, on a more positive front, Germany have topped their group on every occasion since 1990. It's a period stretching seven tournaments and few people would back against an eighth top spot being earned this time around.

You also have to go back to 1978 for the last time that Germany did not qualify for the quarter-finals. It's a remarkable record but Low and his squad have eyes on doing more than simply preserving that streak.

As far as opening games are concerned, it's back in 1978 when Germany last failed to score a goal in their first match. That came during a goalless draw with Poland.

While Germany are used to reaching the last eight of this tournament, Mexico have made a tradition of going out at the last-16 stage. It is something which has occurred at the last six competitions!

However, El Tri have a group-stage record to be admired. Most notably, they have not suffered defeat in an opening fixture since losing out to Norway in 1994.

Mexico have also only lost twice in their last 17 matches in the opening stages. Eight wins and seven draws have been recorded during that period.

As far as qualification for this event was concerned, Mexico made easy weather of it. They dominated the final round of the CONCACAF Confederation section with 21 points being recorded from 10 matches, with their only setback coming away in the United States. That came after they had breezed through the the penultimate round with five wins from six games.

In total, Mexico recorded 11 victories and four draws from 16 matches to get to Russia, but the goals were shared out with Lozano ending up as their top scorer with four strikes.

That goes against the scoring record of players in their squad. Seven players have scored 13 goals or more, including Hernandez who is just one effort shy of reaching his half-century!

PREDICTION! Neither side can claim to carry much form heading into Sunday's encounter, but we cannot back against Germany starting the defence of their crown with a statement win over a team who also have the potential of reaching the latter stages. Germany to prevail by a 3-1 scoreline.

HEAD TO HEAD! The showdown in Russia's capital will represent the 12th clash between the two nations, with Germany winning six times and Mexico claiming just one victory.

Mexico's success came back in 1985, and it means that Germany have put together a six-game unbeaten streak which includes a narrow 2-1 triumph at the 1998 World Cup.

The most recent meeting came last year at the Confederations Cup as Leon Goretzka netted twice during a 4-1 victory at the semi-final stage. Click here to read back on that match.

It's time for the two teams to start making their way out in Moscow. It's a bit warmer in Russia today with the temperature at the Luzhniki Stadium currently around 24C.

A reminder of the two starting lineups...

GERMANY XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Plattenhardt; Khedira, Kroos; Draxler, Muller, Ozil; Werner

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


KICKOFF! Mexico get us underway!

Wow - Mexico almost go ahead! Hernandez threads a pass through to Lozano and after cutting across the defender, the winger should probably score. However, Boateng flings himself at the ball to make a phenomenal block with a shot being taken from no more than 10 yards out.

CHANCE! Now Germany go close! Kimmich plays an outstanding pass through to Werner who is clear of the Mexico defence. However, from an acute angle, the forward sends his effort wide of the far post.

Both teams are showing plenty of quality going forward, rather than looking shaky at the back. This game has already reached full tempo.

What's noticeable at this stage is that Germany are taking every opportunity to put balls in behind the Mexico backline. Werner and Muller have both reached low passes and forced their opponents onto the defensive.

Back come Mexico and neat footwork from Vela leads to a foul being committed by Hummels on the edge of the penalty area.

SHOT! It's Layun who takes responsibility for the set piece but his effort goes harmlessly over the crossbar.

SHOT! This is an extremely lively game! The ball is worked to Herrera around 25 yards out but the Porto midfielder's shot is too close to Neuer.

Mexico look full of confidence. Osorio has instructed his team to try to take advantage of Germany's recent poor form and so far, it is working.

CHANCE! Another opening for Mexico. A free kick is whipped in from the right-hand side and Moreno's header is heading towards the far corner. However, it lacks pace and Neuer makes a fairly routine save.

CHANCE! Germany's next attack almost leads to a calamitous opener. Kimmich's cross is excellent and although he cannot find Werner, Salcedo almost inadvertently turns the ball into his own net at the back post.

The Hernandez of old would surely have scored this. The forward was played in and only had Neuer to beat, but the 30-year-old could not get the ball out of his feet and the chance was lost.

CHANCE! Both defences are so open! A ball is lofted over to Werner and although the forward has to turn backwards and shoot on the turn, he should do better rather than scuffing an effort at Ochoa.

SHOT! A mistake from Mexico leads to an attack coming together for Germany but after Draxler is denied a shooting opportunity, Kroos ends up seeing a weak left-footed strike saved by Ochoa.

Germany have conceded multiple free kicks in threatening areas but on this occasion, a delivery into the box leads to a foul being committed by a Mexico player.

We have not had a shot for about four minutes. What is going on?! The match can surely not continue at this pace. There has been no lull in the action.

When Mexico do get opportunities, they tend to be down the left flank with Kimmich not being an out-and-out full-back. The German is arguably his team's best player going forward but Lozano and Vela are getting too much space in the other final third.

We are yet to see much of Ozil in this match. Most of the time, the ball is going direct to Werner and Germany's two wingers, meaning that Ozil is not being used.

This contest is still being played at a fast pace but more of the action is taking place in the centre of the park, especially when Mexico are on the ball. Herrera and Guardado are doing a fine job so far.

Almost a chance for Mexico. Vela plays a quite delicious pass through the Germany defence and into the path of Layun, but the winger can't get his foot on the ball.

GOAL! Germany 0-1 Mexico (Hirving Lozano)

Mexico take a deserved lead! This is a stunning goal, too. Hernandez gets the better of Hummels on the halfway line and when he receives the ball back, it's two on one. The forward decides to play in Lozano to his left, who switches the ball onto his right foot before drilling a low shot into the corner from 10 yards.

Mexico have all of the momentum but Germany have a chance to net an immediate equaliser after a needless foul on the edge of the area from Mexico.

WOODWORK! So close for Germany. It's Kroos who decides to take it and the Real Madrid midfielder sees his attempt tipped onto the crossbar by Ochoa.

Germany have been the better team since the goal. The defending champions have taken to possession football and trying to get Ozil on the ball.

To Mexico's credit, they are still throwing men forward at the end of this first half but they need to be careful not to over-do things. They've been excellent but also need to show some discipline before the break.

SHOT! A few of these Mexican players look tired but they still break forward in numbers, with Vela eventually directing a shot marginally wide of Neuer's right post.

HALF TIME: Germany 0-1 Mexico

The half-time whistle goes in Moscow and Mexico leads thanks to a goal from Lozano. This game has been up there with the Portugal-Spain thriller in terms of excitement and Germany have it all to do in the second half.

Mexico have been brilliant and their goal towards the end of the half is up there with the best in this tournament so far. Hernandez's clever work on the halfway line started it and after the West Ham man kept his composure to tee up Lozano, the winger did the rest by cutting inside and lashing a shot into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

Germany have had their moments, especially through Kimmich and Werner. The latter has twice wasted opportunities inside the penalty area, while Kroos has seen a free kick tipped onto the crossbar. However, at times, Germany have been too slow in possession and that needs to change in the second half.

The two teams will be returning shortly, but both managers will likely sit tight when it comes to substitutions. A couple of Mexico players looked tired towards the end of that first half so do not be surprised to see Osorio make full use of his replacements relatively early.

KICKOFF! Germany get us back underway.

Mexico certainly aren't running around the pitch like they were in the opening period. They look like they want to be more calculated in possession, rather than relentless with their running.

From Germany's perspective, they, too, are showing more purpose with the ball on the ground but are still not playing with much pace in their play. It will be interesting to see who Low chooses for his first change.

We are still awaiting the first meaningful effort of this second half but that shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. Germany need to find a way to play to their advantage, and that isn't what they did in the opening 45 minutes.

Ozil and Draxler both try to get a foot on the ball in the final third but Ayala just about gets a foot in to deflect the ball back to Ochoa.

CHANCE! Better from Germany as Draxler is found in some space on the left-hand side of the penalty area but the Paris Saint-Germain winger's shot is deflected wide of the near post.

What a waste from Mexico! Hernandez and Vela break forward and they have a two-on-one situation. However, Hernandez's attempted pass to his teammate has too much pace on it and the chance is gone.

SUBSTITUTION! Mexico make the first change with Vela being replaced by Alvarez, who is going to slot in front of the back four.

SUBSTITUTION! It's time for Germany to make their first alteration as well with Reus being introduced for Khedira.

It looks like Ozil is dropping back to play in midfield with Kroos. This may be interesting! Germany still need to find something extra in this game, although they do look fresher than their opponents.

He may have had an indifferent campaign with West Ham this season but Hernandez has looked a different player for Mexico today. He is relishing the lone-striker role, despite his lack of height. Boateng and Hummels have struggled with his movement.

CHANCE! Kimmich almost scores a worldie of an over-head kick! Boateng's cross lacked flight but Kimmich improvised to send an effort from 12 yards marginally off target.

SUBSTITUTION! A second change for Mexico sees new Wolverhampton Wanderers signing Jimenez come on for Lozano.

CHANCE! Germany are getting closer. A cross from the right somehow finds its way to Draxler at the back post but the winger curls over the crossbar from around 16 yards out.

CHANCE! The effort was deflected and from the resulting corner, Werner volleyed over the crossbar from no more than eight yards. It feels like Mexico are starting to fade.

Hernandez is running on empty but the striker makes a delightful run through the defence before going to ground under the attention of Hummels. He wants a penalty but although there is a bit of contact, the referee correctly waves his appeals away.

We are going to have a break in play while Gallardo receives treatment after blocking a volley by Reus with his face. Mexico needed this rest!

SUBSTITUTION! We are going to see Marquez, who comes on to feature in his fifth World Cup. The veteran replaces Guardado.

SHOT! Kroos is the next Germany player to try his luck, curling just wide of Ochoa's left post from 20 yards. It is going to take some effort from Mexico to see this game out. They are just inviting pressure.

What a block from Alvarez, who slides in to deny Draxler who had deceived another Mexico defender.

SHOT! Most of his teammates are wilting but Layun certainly isn't. The winger surges forward on his own and with no support on offer, shoots just over the crossbar from 25 yards.

SUBSTITUTION! Another switch for Germany sees Plattenhardt leave the pitch with Gomez being thrown on in attack.

SHOT! The space is now there for Mexico to launch counter-attacks and they could still find a second goal. Layun had another opportunity from outside the box but his well-struck effort went wide of the far post.

BOOKING! Muller goes into the referee's book for a cynical tug on Herrera.

BOOKING! Hummels follows his teammate with a needless foul in the final third. It just gives Mexico time to take a breather.

SUBSTITUTION! Germany's final change sees Brandt replace Werner, who has picked up a knock.

CHANCE! Was that the moment? Another ball comes in from the right and although Gomez meets the cross, the substitute can only head over the bar from 10 yards.

SHOT! Germany are still pushing! Mexico half clear the ball to the edge of the area but it then falls invitingly for Brandt, who sends a half-volley agonisingly wide of the post from 25 yards.

There will be three minutes of added-on time.

Mexico have opted against any more breaks forward. It is all-out defending and they are 90 seconds or so away from a famous win.

FULL TIME: Germany 0-1 Mexico

The full-time whistle has gone and Mexico have done it! Lozano's first-half strike has proven enough to get the better of the defending champions, who now face a fight to qualify for the last 16. Mexico wilted during that second half but they showed the kind of spirit which could take them far in this competition.

That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us today and we hope that you can stick around for the upcoming encounter between Brazil and Switzerland.

If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.


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The Mexico team line up before their friendly game with Scotland on June 2, 2018
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Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
Q Netherlands Netherlands32107
Q Senegal flag Senegal32016
3 Ecuador flag Ecuador31114
4 Qatar Qatar30030

Group B

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Q England flag England32107
Q United States USA31205
3 Iran Iran31023
4 Wales flag Wales30121

Group C

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Q Argentina Argentina32016
Q Poland Poland31114
3 Mexico Mexico31114
4 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia31023

Group D

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Q France France32016
Q Australia Australia32016
3 Tunisia Tunisia31114
4 Denmark Denmark30121

Group E

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Q Japan Japan32016
Q Spain Spain31114
3 Germany Germany31114
4 Costa Rica flag Costa Rica31023

Group F

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Q Morocco Morocco32107
Q Croatia Croatia31205
3 Belgium Belgium31114
4 Canada Canada30030

Group G

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Q Brazil Brazil32016
Q Switzerland Switzerland32016
3 Cameroon flag Cameroon31114
4 Serbia Serbia30121

Group H

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Q Portugal Portugal32016
Q Republic of Korea South Korea31114
3 Uruguay flag Uruguay31114
4 Ghana flag Ghana31023

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