Mexico was a heavy underdog in Sunday’s match against Germany, but El Tri stepped up in a big way in a shocking upset of the defending world champions.
El Tri used a swift counter attack in the first-half capped off by a Hirving Lozano goal to stun Germany, 1-0, in Moscow.
In a first-half which saw Mexico hold their own against the Germans, Juan Carlos Osorio’s side snatched the lead in the 35th minute. A counter attack by the Mexicans saw the PSV man Lozano net his eighth career senior goal as he slotted past Manuel Neuer after a nice set up by Javier Hernandez.
Guillermo Ochoa came up big just minutes later as he stretched out and saved Toni Kroos’ free kick that look destined for the top-right corner.
After halftime, Mexico failed to add to their lead early in the second-half after a two-on-one saw Chicharito’s pass drift wide of Carlos Vela in front of goal. Miguel Layun’s long run on a one-on-one later in the half could’ve iced it for Mexico, but the Porto man skied his effort over goal
Joshua Kimmich’s overhead kick soared over the crossbar in the 64th minute, adding to Germany’s frustration. Marco Reus came on as a substitute but also lacked the final product as he missed from close range in the 71st minute. Mario Gomez looked likely to chip past Ochoa in the 89th minute but the keeper was able to pester him enough to force his effort wide.
Despite continuous pressure by Germany, Mexico defended strongly and left their opponents frustrated at the final whistle. Ochoa made seven saves in the clean sheet, which propels Mexico to the top of Group F on three points. Germany suffered their second defeat in the month of June, and their first group stage defeat since 2010.
Germany is next in action on Saturday against Sweden, while Mexico faces off with South Korea on the same day.
Man of the Match
Lozano had a superb season domestically for PSV and that form carried over in the win on Sunday. The 22-year-old played the hero for his country in one of their biggest wins all-time at the World Cup.
Moment of the Match
Just one goal made the difference on Sunday as Lozano’s finish paved the way for the shocking upset.
Match to Forget
Mesut Ozil has always been a playmaker for Germany, but he was fairly quiet offensively for the Germans. Ozil had one shot, but zero on goal
Good game from Mexico
Osorio better thank the Gods above that his 58th minute decision to go full-on “Mourinho” and park the bus worked; up til that minute Mexico was downright inspirational in their fast play, 1-2 touch carving of the Germans. If Vela still had gas in the tank, that was a horrible decision. Ditto for Guardado. Very very lucky that Germany didn’t find the net despite shelling Mexico that last half-hour. All that said, as a diehard Yank, that the first time that I have ever actively rooted for the Mexicans. Play the right way, and play hard, and they are irresistible.
Agreed. Mexico seemed much more adventurous than Costa Roca today, who I was hoping would show better. Their counterattack was exciting to watch. Ochoa really impressed me,too.
I’m with you on the Vela sub. Mexico looked good on the counter so why take out Chicharo’s strike partner? After that it was all Germany. Also when Marquez came in I was praying it was not in defence, he’s a legend but a huge liability at the back.
I’m surprised, but not surprised a lot. Germany looked pretty lackluster in their last friendly and their attack against the Mexican defense was a good example of how NOT to play. As I pointed out last week, if you saw Belgium beat Costa Rica, you saw a textbook example of how to attack a bunker defense. They moved the ball quickly within the box with deft passes and dribbles, got the defense to shift too far to one side, then shifted play and got an over load. Germany played at a very leisurely pace, seemed to lack any ideas, and didn’t really attack at all. Additionally, Germany’s crosses were rarely good. While Mexico played well, Germany was lacking sharpness and intensity. They looked like they thought they would win because they were the better team and a lot of effort wasn’t required.
I actually had a bit of a feeling Mexico would show well in the run-up to yesterday. They were so wasteful, but found one goal and that’s all they needed. They do have one of the best attacks in int’l soccer, I think people forget that at times. They always find chances, they just tend to be more wasteful.
As for Germany, I think they have one win in their last six matches…and it was a 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia last week. Yes, that Saudi Arabia who got pole-axed by Russia. They looked old, slow, complacent. Left better options on the bench (or at home) to play Ozil and Khedira in the MF. Rumors of players not happy Neuer is starting despite having not played for nearly a year. This may be Jogi’s final act. Would not be shocked to see them fail to get a result against Sweden.
Congrats MMEEXXIICCOOOO??. No CONCACAF TEAM HAS ACCOMPLISHED anything close to this…..DEFEATING THE WC? DEFENDING CHAMPIONS!!!!! The passion, commitment, dedication and emotion the players showed was unbelievable (something the USMNT absolutely lacks). No bunkering or conservative play, but going out there and believing they deserve to be there (ESPECIALLY Hirving Lozano – Dutch club PSV)!!!!!!
#RESPECT!!!!! ??
Errr, no “bunkering play.”? You watched the last 32 minutes, yeah? Osorio went way too conservative way too early when he removed Vela. 9 out of 10 times, that kind of field surrender snatches draws and defeats from the jaws of victory. I was inspired their first 58 minutes, however – they went right at em’ and played technically fast and brave.
“You watched the last 32 minutes, yeah?”….you are confusing a tactical switch up as compare to a team mindset / game plan. So you kinda answered your own skepticism…..it was the last 32 minutes up a goal after their “attack” was burnt out
Mexico was impressive. A well deserved win.
Nice job Mexico …. Germany’s next two opponents should pack up and head home now as that team is going to take it out on them
mexico played well. what an exciting match! i was so proud of them. (did i just say that?)
hahahaha…sorry Mexico haters!!!!!!!!!!!
Nothing but silence from the mobile home park.
Waaaaa? Frenchie?
Oh big man wants to talk big now, eh? Where were you after El Tri’s warm up games when they stunk it up against powerhouses Wales and Scotland? or even in the days leading up to the Germany game, when everyone expected they would get spanked? Nowhere to be found, of course.
But unlike you, who doesn’t have the intellectual honesty to acknowledge when the USMNT or an American player does well (Pulisic, anyone?), I will concede that Mexico played a good game today. By far the best game they’ve played in 2+ years. Whether they can repeat this kind of performance again in the next couple weeks remains to be seen. My prediction is they won’t, that they will get overly excited and confident. History tells us that they will make it out of their group then choke big time.
Where are all those folks who were hating on Mexico?
Congrats to Mexico, I suppose Landon is pretty happy right now.
Lol. Bocanegra and the other haters want to tell Landon not to get paid. Please. It’s not Landon’s fault USA didn’t qualify. He’s gotta make his money somehow. Easy for former players that never get offered marketing opportunities to tell him to turn down the money.
Landon can root for who ever he likes. He rooted for the US to fail 4 years ago, so why not root for Mexico now.
Woah hot take over here