Youngster Hirving Lozano’s moment of brilliance helped Mexico stun defending champions Germany 1-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday. It not just got their Group F campaign up and running but also halted a 33-year wait of defeating the World Champions since June 1985.
Undefeated in the last edition where ‘Die Mannschaft’ were crowned champions and having not lost a World Cup opener in the last seven editions Germany, just like Mexico started with an attacking impetus. Both sides fielded a 4-2-3-1 formation. But it wasn’t just meant to be for the four time winners, as ‘El Tri’ found more space and width often running loose on either flanks.
The Germans were everywhere and danced to 22-year-old Lozano’s tunes as the PSV Eindhoven winger ran riot in the early exchanges. By the half-an-hour mark Mexico could have well taken a two goal lead, if not for way-ward shots and petty passes.
Earlier Javier Hernandez came close in the 15th minute, left alone with acres of space on the left, but failed to make a shot. It didn’t bother them though because by the 35th minute they were 1-0 up. Andres Guardado broke a German attack before finding Hernandez in the middle, whose run was equally well met by Lozano’s drift and who on receiving the ball sent defender Mats Hummels into space, then firing the ball from a tight angle, well past a returning Manuel Neuer on goal.
Still if anything, that goal could have deterred everyone but not Germans, who have well created a reputation of making comebacks. They nearly did so when minutes later Toni Kroos hit the upright from a 25-yard free-kick. But despite repeated efforts they couldn’t beat Guillermo Ochoa, who with seven saves, overshadowed his performance against Brazil four years ago.
But the Germans still had hope. The last time they won a match despite going behind was also against Mexico, back in 1998 and against a team they have beaten five times in 12 meetings, with 5 draws. It however wasn’t meant to be today and in contrast, the Mexicans could have scored plenty more.
Julian Draxler had the best opportunity for Germany, when he found the ball in front of an open net but Hector Herrera put his body on the line in the 77th minute. Mexico take on South Korea next and will hope for a win to secure the knockout berth.
But for now, the World Champions have been defeated and Joachim Loew has a lot to think about before their next match against Sweden.