It is time
for the reigning world champions Germany to take the stage against an
experienced Mexico side, who had over half of the squad being capped over 50
times.
The first 10
minutes set the tempo nicely for the game which was lively and open. There were
plenty of chances for both teams and it was Mexico who came closest early on from
a free kick in the 14th minute, producing a good save from Neuer.
As the half
progressed, Germany started to test the Mexican ‘keeper by trying their luck
from distance. However, there was
nothing that caused any real concern.
Mexico look
very good on the counter attack but the quality letting them down. They are
finding ways to get through a strong defensive wall, and with ease. But with
that lack of quality, or that misplaced pass are these opportunities going to
come back to haunt them?
At the
minute? No, as Mexico lead! The counter attack that looked so dangerous finally
pays off. A straight ball to Hernadez who cleverly flicked it on broke through
the German defence. He led the attack and played it through to Lozano. His
touch appeared to have gotten away from him as he cut back on his right foot,
but his shot beat Neuer at his near post. Once thing is for sure is that the
Mexicans really get behind their team and it was reported that the celebration
in the goal triggered earthquake monitors!
Toni Kross
rattled bar from a free kick on 37th minute which was given away
cheaply by Lozano. Replays show that Ochoa got finger tips to it which
deflected on to the bar. Great save.
The tempo
continues in the 2nd half with lots of possession for the German
team, but again no real chances created. The full backs were pressing high and
again this nearly cost them another goal, as there was another break from
Mexico. Like in the first half though, that last past, that bit of quality
letting the Mexicans down again.
Nothing has
changed in the way this half is playing out in that Germany are continuing to
dominate. A floated ball into the box finished with an audacious overhead kick
which looked as though it was causing the keep concern as he scrambled back to
try and stop the effort.
Approaching
70 min and you can clearly see that fatigue is setting in the Mexico team.
Germany pressing, Mexico sitting back. With that said the counter attack is
still in the Mexican armoury. Hernandez was played into the area but his run
was shadowed by Hummels and they came together resulting in a weak penalty
appeal.
More and
more German pressure but Mexico are finding it easy to absorb and clear.
How many
chances does Mexico need to punish Germany? They really could have scored 5 or
6 today. They have so many opportunities
with Germany who are playing with such a high line. But that final pass or the
accuracy of the shot has really let them down.
The
equaliser was nearly found from a spectacular effort from Brant who’s sweetly
struck volley stuck the outside of the post. That was close. Shots now pepper
the Mexican goal. Is the inevitable coming? No! Mexico wins and it has reduced
their fans and players to tears. It was spirited performance from them and the
result is one that is well deserved.
Not what the
Germans would have wanted, as the last time Germany lost their opening game in
a World Cup was 1982 against Algeria. With that said, they did go on to win
that year. What must be concerning for them though is how easy Mexico found it
to get through on goal. Should they find themselves facing a better side (no disrespect
to Mexico) they could end up on the receiving end of battering. Fans do still
think they will progress from this group, but what faces them in the next round
could be a potential games against Brazil.
Mexico will
take major positives from this win. Their aim is to progress past the last 16.
With the experience in the squad, and with small tweaks in polishing off that
final pass, they could be in with a chance.
