FIFA World Cup 2018: Germany vs Mexico – Review, Stats, Highlights & Quotes

by Chittu Shetty June 18, 2018

Defending champions Germany were off to a disappointing start has Mexico avenged their last Confederations cup semi-final defeat against the Germans with a gritty 1-0 win to start off their World Cup campaign on high.

The Review:

Mexico pulled off a historic victory in the opening game of 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Group F, defeating World Cup holders Germany 1-0 in front of a fervent – and full house – Luzhniki Stadium.

Juan Carlos Osorio’s master plan worked to perfection, with El Tri soaking up the long spells of German possession and hitting Die Nationalmannschaft on the counter-attack. Hirving Lozano’s strike was a result of a swift break, with green shirts swarming forwards and the PSV Eindhoven man coolly converting past Manuel Neuer.

Joachim Low’s side played their part in an enthralling encounter, with Toni Kroos hitting a free kick against the crossbar. Their efforts were ultimately in vain, with the Mexicans claiming all three points.

The Highlights:

The Stats:

1 – This defeat represents the first time that Germany have lost the opening game in defence of their Trophy. They beat Argentina 3-1 in 1958, drew 0-0 with Poland in 1978, and defeated Bolivia 1-0 in 1994

2 – This is just the 2nd time in history of World Cup that Germany have lost their Opening game. Last time it happened (1982 Germany 1 -2 Algeria), Germany went on to reach the final that year.

3 – For the 3rd time running the defending champions have seen their title defence begin without a win, Previously both Italy (1-1 Paraguay) and Spain (5-1 to the Netherlands) ended up on dropping points.

5 – Mexico have now won their World Cup Opening encounter for the fifth time in last 6 tournament (The other being a draw)

5 – Rafael Marquez became the third player to play in record five World Cup for his country equaling the record previously held by another Mexican Antonio Carbajal and Germany’s Lothar Matthaus

The Quotes:

Man of the match – Hirving Lozano – “It’s the best goal I’ve scored in my entire life. We all dream of playing in a World Cup – and to start in such a positive and important way – I think it’s my best goal so far.”

Germany coach – Joachim Low – “We had a couple of shots on the goal but somehow it seemed jinxed, the ball didn’t go into the net.”

Next Fixture:

Germany vs. Sweden – Group F, 23 June, Sochi
Korea Republic vs. Mexico – Group F, 23 June, Rostov-on-Don

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2018: Germany vs Mexico – Preview, Stats, Quotes

Also Read: 5 talking points as Mexico upset Germany

To follow everything about the FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia – click here

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