Sensational opening defeat for the world champion

Germany started its mission to defend its title at the World Cup in Russia with a defeat. The Löw selection suffered a 0-1 (0-1) defeat against Mexico in the first game of Group F at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday after a weak performance. Hirving Lozano scored “El Tri” a well-deserved victory in the 35th minute.

Plattenhardt, Özil and Draxler in the starting eleven Germany's team boss Jogi Löw was unable to field his desired eleven. Instead of Jonas Hector, who was ill, Marvin Plattenhardt was used on the left in defense. Löw still relied on eight world champions, but what the Germans offered was anything but world champion. The disappointing test match appearances during and after the training camp in Eppan were probably no coincidence. With a sedate build-up to the game, Kroos and Co. were hardly able to embarrass their opponents in the first half, and they revealed major weaknesses defensively. Joachim Löw let his anger run wild in the first half. © APA/afp / YURI CORTEZ

The Central Americans, on the other hand, impressed with their technically strong short passing game, quick advances and many dangerous offensive moves. After just 55 seconds there was a fire in the German penalty area for the first time, but Jerome Boateng was just able to clear in front of Lozano. The outsider continued to use the space that was available, but there was a lack of consistency in the finish. Hector Moreno's header (15th), Chicharito, who hesitated too long (18th), and Miguel Layun, who came a little too late (34th), caused danger. Lozano rewards strong Mexicans In the 35th minute, the Mexicans were rewarded for their courageous performance. After a quick counterattack, Lozano let Mesut Özil out and scored to make it 1-0. Four minutes later, the Germans were only centimeters short of a quick response. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa directed a Kroos free kick onto the crossbar (39'). Hirving Lozano gave Mexico the lead at the break. © APA/afp / PATRIK STOLLARZ

As expected, the world champion took control after the break. The Löw team increasingly increased the pressure, but had problems creating scoring chances for a long time. Joshua Kimmich with an overhead kick (65th), Marco Reus (71st) and Toni Kroos (76th) with shots had the better opportunities before Germany threw everything forward again in the finish. Mario Gomez's header (87th) and Julian Brandt (89th) narrowly failed to equalize.

The Mexicans fought a defensive battle and barely got in front of Manuel Neuer's goal. The few counterattacks were poorly completed, including in the 57th minute when the team had the best chance of making the preliminary decision. But it was enough to win 1-0 - exactly the result that Antonio Vazquez Alba, the supreme sorcerer of Mexico, had predicted. First opening defeat since 1982 This was only the second time the DFB team suffered a defeat in their first World Cup game since 1982 (1:2 against Algeria). In this century, Germany has always started the World Cup with clear victories (2002: 8:0 against Saudi Arabia; 2006: 4:2 against Costa Rica; 2010: 4:0 against Australia, 2014: 4:0 against Portugal). It was also the first defeat by a European team at this World Cup tournament.

Germany still has to deal with Sweden and South Korea in Group F, so they should still be able to get promoted despite their initial defeat. However, Brazil is already threatening to finish second in Group F in the round of 16. All information about the game and Group F:

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Sensational opening defeat for the world champion

Iceland's draw against title contenders Argentina had already surprised football fans on Saturday, but now Mexico went one better: the Central Americans defeated a disappointing DFB team 1-0.

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