Football World Cup 2018: The world champion comes away empty-handed in his opening match

Germany starts the 2018 World Cup similarly weak as Argentina and France, but with the big difference that the world champion loses and messes up its opening match.

That the Mexicans would play aggressively was already known before the game. The Mexicans, along with the Argentines and Brazilians, are serious cup contenders from Central/South America. Not to take such a top team seriously means the playful death sentence at a tournament. This mistake will certainly not have happened to the German national team. However, the Mexicans impressed with a man-to-man defense that was a wash, especially in the first half of the game. Even though they were not convincing in attack - they missed too many chances - they were able to use one of their counters to take a deserved 1:0 lead. But Mexico's young players also showed a good side in terms of play. They were often able to outplay their German counterparts. The Germans, for their part, did not manage a decent attack in the first half. Therefore, the lead of the Mexicans at the break was fully in order. As the first half ended,the second half began: combative and technically excellent Mexicans made it almost impossible for the Germans to get near the 16-meter area. But as the game wore on and new players like Neuer or Gomez came on, the Germans built up their usual pressure and suddenly there was a hail of scoring chances. Getting stuck in at the back against a German national team is usually deadly. But the Germans also lacked a bit of luck here and there. Towards the end of the game, it was clear that the Mexicans were only concerned with surviving and saving the 1:0. Luck was with them and they pulled off the little surprise of the day: Mexico wins the opening game of the World Cup, the world champion loses. Luck was on the side of the brave today.