In Group F today, Germany were dealt a massive blow in their bid to win back to back world cups in Moscow, as a valiant and well drilled Mexico side pulled off a shock 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from 22 year old PSV Eindhoven winger Hirving Lozano.
In what was a highly entertaining game, though edgy and even nail bitingly tense in the latter stages, the lacklustre Germans were just simply not at the races today, which is baffling considering the level of talent and good balance of youth and experience which they posses in their ranks.
Mexico, on the other hand, were impressive and superb on the break causing Germany all kinds of problems at times. Germany looked lethargic for most of the game, especially at the back.
Chicarito Sets up The Impressive Lozano For The Goal
The goal came in the 35 minutes thanks to a neat pass from ex Manchester United and current West Ham striker Javier Hernandez, or "Chicarito" as he is widely known, he set up the talented inverted winger Lozano who stepped inside his man to fire home for the Mexicans. It was Lozano's 8th goal on his 29th cap for his country.
If Lozano continues with performances like that going forward in Russia, i reckon there'll be a host of top European clubs vying for his signature once the tournament comes to a close. As for Javier Hernandez, who turned 30 this month, i would love to see him stay at West Ham and for incoming manager Manuel Pellegrini to give him his deserved place up front and start playing the striker regularly. If the rumor mill is to be believed, they will need his goals anyway if the mercurial Marko Arnautovic is sold to Manchester United this summer.
Back to the game and Germany lacked imagination and any kind of inspiration. Their best effort arguably coming not long after Lozano's goal, when a Toni Kroos free kick was tipped on to the bar by Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa.
I found myself rooting for Mexico to hold on for what seemed an eternity inside the last 20 minutes or so as Germany started to wake up towards the end after finally realizing they had work to do, putting pressure on the Mexico goal, but the Germans also forgot to bring their shooting boots today after a fair few chances were wasted. Substitute Julian Brandt going the closest with a right footed shot just outside the box that narrowly went wide. Then, Fellow substitute Mario Gomez completely messing up what should of been a trademark headed goal for him.
Well Supported Mexico Deserved All 3 Points
But the dogged and determined Mexicans, cheered on by a lively and colorfully dressed Mexican support, were not going to be beat today. They were excellent and gave everything they had to overcome the current holders. By 70 minutes they were already looking weary from all the hard work and effort they mustered here.
The fact the Mexican support outnumbered the German contingent and were livelier, louder and more creative in their support for their team, seemed to help spur on Juan Carlos Osorio's troops. Everyone involved with the south Americans gave 110% this afternoon.
Enter 39 Year Old Legend Marquez
In the last 20 minutes, Mexico's defence were tested to their limit at times and it was great to see legend Raphael Marquez come on and bolster things at the back a bit more. Remarkably, the now 39-year old veteran defender was appearing at his 5th world cup and will hang up his boots after this one. Who knows, maybe even with a world cup winners meddle under his belt.
I may be getting slightly carried away there, hey - i like this Mexico team! but i'm sure boss Osorio has that much belief in his team. They have much work to do, but on this showing, they may well prove to be a tough nut to crack in Russia. We shall see.
As for the Germans, they were bad. There's no getting around that fact. They did awaken within the last 20 minutes and pile on some pressure, but Mexico held firm while the Germans wasted any opportunities they had. Joachim Lowe, who has been in charge of "Die Mannschaft" since 2006, has a lot of work to do to get the best out of his players.
Lowe's team need to get their act together. Fast!
One thing i still cannot for the life of me fathom is why Leroy Sane is not there?!
- What do you think? did Joachim Lowe make a mistake in not taking Sane?
- On paper this German team look highly talented but will they progress out of the group stages?
They were crying out for Sane's pace, creativity and even his potent finishing ability today. Manchester City winger Sane, who had a brilliant season with the English champions, must of been looking on wondering why on earth he was not out there today.
Good on you Mexico!!
Comments