FIFA World Cup 2018: Germany vs Mexico

Germany, the defending champions, came into the 2018 FIFA World Cup with mixed emotions. One on hand, they seemed to be in rude health, having easily swept through qualifying without dropping a point for Russia 2018, while a young, experimental side had won the Confederations Cup last year, highlighting the strength in depth at Joachim Lows disposal. On the other hand, their preparation for the World Cup had been lacklustre, with Die Mannschaft winning just one out of four friendlies, including a draw against Spain and defeats to Brazil and Austria. Germanys system and tactics were almost intact from their victory in Brazil, and even with some turnover in the playing squad, there are still nine players from the previous squad in Russia. This has led to concerns that Germanys style may now be too predictable; especially so after their performances in the pre-tournament friendlies. Low had already made a big call by dropping Manchester City starlet Leroy Sane from the squad, despite their not being a similar player among the rest of his options. Germany needed a good, convincing start to the tournament in order to put all doubts to rest over their title credentials.

Mexico too breezed through qualifying, losing just one game over the last two rounds of CONCACAF qualification, as Juan Carlos Osorio built a versatile, astute side. While he has come under fierce criticism from fans back home over his tendency to rotate players as well as chop and change systems, the result has been that El Tri are one of the most flexible sides in Russia, capable of playing with a three-man or four-man backline as well as a variety of midfield configurations. Osorio has rightly been called a tactical chameleon in the build-up to the tournament, and an opening match against Germany gave him the opportunity to show the suitability of his methods.

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Germany lined up as expected in a 4-2-3-1, with Marvin Plattenhardt in at left-back, Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira in midfield and the pacy Timo Werner starting up top.

Mexico took to the field in a 4-2-3-1 as well, as Javier Chicharito Hernandez was preferred to Raul Jimenez in the striking role. Miguel Layun took up a role on the right flank, while Carlos Vela shrugged off fitness concerns to start as the #10.

Mexico press high up the pitch

Mexico began extremely brightly, forcing a corner within the first minute of the game and causing some panic in the German box from the ensuing delivery. Manuel Neuer claimed the ball eventually, and as is his wont, played a short pass out to Plattenhardt on the left. The left-back switched play to the right, and immediately there were three Mexican players swarming over the man in possession and cutting off passing options. El Tri pressed extremely high, especially in the opening stages of the game, disrupting the German build-up and forcing them to even go long a couple of times. This was done quite intelligently, as the press would be triggered when the ball was close to either touchline, to use it as a natural barrier and force the player inside towards oncoming players.