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Germany fires early to cruise past Mexico, into Confederations Cup final

It only took 10 minutes for Germany to outclass Mexico for a spot in the Confederations Cup final.

Joachim Low’s men continued their impressive unbeaten form in Russia by dominating Mexico, 4-1, at Fisht Olympic Stadium to advance to Sunday’s final against South American reigning champions, Chile.

Despite possession nor chances being on their side, Germany’s efficiency in capitalizing chances inside the box was the story of the game from start to finish.

Leon Goretzka made a strong statement in only his eighth appearance for Germany, recording two goals in two minutes. Starting things off six minutes into the match after Mexico’s poor giveaway in the heart of the field. An efficient counter led by Benjamin Heinrichs, polished by Goretzka’s first-time strike for outside the 18-yard-box. Two minutes later, Goretzka would strike again as a result of El Tri’s faulty defending.

Mexico’s opportunity to get revenge  against Chile was closed shut in the 59th minute, RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner was only forced to tap in the ball from 8 yards out following Germany’s impeccable one-two’s inside Ochoa’s box.

It was Marco Fabian’s rifling strike from distance in the 89th minute that put an end to Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s picture perfect night, and gifted El Tri the goal they had dearly been looking for, but it was far too late. Juan Carlos Osorio’s men did deliver a handful of chances in the second half, but none able to topple Germany’s dominating presence on both ends of the field.

Already down 3-1 with a minute left and with Mexican fans still celebrating Marco Fabian’s wonder strike, Amin Younes gently snuck one past Guillermo Ochoa, reflecting Germany’s dominance up until the final whistle.

El Tri now has no other choice than to set their sights on exiting the tournament as third best but first, will have to get past Portugal, while Germany faces Chile in a much anticipated final on Sunday.

Comments

  1. I don’t think this result is as much of “Mexico is/was bad” as it is the gulf in talent among the elite national teams right now. Remember Germany spanked Brazil in a WC semi final. This was not the same team – or at least the same players – but I think it is evidence that teams like Germany, Chile, and Argentina remain head and shoulders better than the next tier.

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    • Germany has a clear developmental system in place from top-to-bottom. It’s scary how they can just plug in new guys and not see a ton of drop-off.

      Of course, it helps when the national federation and the club teams are all on the same page. That is a huge hindrance for both Mexico and the U.S.’s international prospects.

      Check out Honigstein’s “Das Reboot”…the Germans aren’t going anywhere for awhile.

      Reply
  2. Mexico really missed their suspended/injured players, Guardado especially. Interesting to see that Mexico has depth issues similar to the US. And their back line was really bad, even the German players looked surprised they were able to get so open in the box.

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  3. Germany applied ball pressure quick and hard across the board through midfield for the first 30 minutes, knowing Mexico wants to settle into games through midfield possession, so they game planned to attack what they knew Mexico would try to do. And they’d look to counter hard; their one touch attacks were awesome slice and dice. don’t get much possession out of that but great chances. Mexico does not look to counter much and not today either so game plan from Germany and the execution of course by the players led to 2-0 lead. After that they backed off some, can’t expect to pressure the ball through midfield like that for 90 minutes, and when they did, Mexico was able to play more how they wanted through midfield. the Hernandez miss on a poacher’s goal he likes to pounce on might have changed things at 2-1 but he missed

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  4. If you are Mexican, you must be thinking, ‘man, our best 11 got humiliated by Germany s U23 side…hurts almost as bad as the 7 goal destruction by Chile last year. Still a second rate, wanna be world power in football.’
    (El Tri are still better than the US, but that doesn’t say much; USMNT is proudly steeped in mediocrity, no end in sight)

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    • Are you sure they’re better? A tie at azteca might say otherwise. Either way I don’t think the US loses that game by 3 goals. obviously not the same team but our last confed cup went pretty well.

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    • They must rioting Hunting Park, CA.

      “the green rats” are better because USSF is mediocre, care more the “chicks” & being “PC”. USSF don’t understand American soccer fans or soccer fans in America don’t care much the “chicks” & care more results with fair.

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  5. ??? Had 60% of possession and still got womped. Shaky D like you read about.
    I don’t know what’s better, a good MX butt kicking or that wittle bobby won’t leave the basement for a week or two.

    Reply

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