A stellar counter-attacking performance by a well-drilled Mexico side was Germany’s undoing as the World Cup holders were deservedly beaten in their opening game in Russia.
With Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira at the base of midfield, the absence of an out-and-out defensive midfielder left Die Mannschaft’s bewildered backline repeatedly exposed as the Mexicans tore through them time and time again.
Left-winger Hirving Lozano lived up to his billing as one of the top talents to watch in the tournament, capping a fine World Cup debut by striking an expertly-taken winner for Juan Carlos Osorio's exciting team.
It’s one game down but already a major step towards a seventh consecutive appearance in the knockout stages for El Tricolor.
GERMANY
Manuel Neuer - 6.5
With a dazed defence in front of him, the Bayern keeper was forced to take the initiative and did so successfully with his usual sweeper-keeper antics.
Joshua Kimmich - 6.5
His first-half battle of wits with Lozano was a great watch but ultimately, it was a battle Kimmich lost. The Bayern full-back supported Germany’s attacks when in possession but on the flip-side, was conspicuous by his absence for the winning goal as Lozano was found running into empty space.
Jerome Boateng - 5.5
A rotten day at the office for both of Germany’s centre-backs, left isolated and outnumbered as their teammates pushed too high. Boateng was guilty of a few rusty touches, clumsy slips and aimless clearances that didn't help his cause.
Mats Hummels - 5
Completely overawed as the Mexican sprint relay team repeatedly ran at him. He was also dispossessed a few times by his opponents’ high-press.
Marvin Plattenhardt - 6
Called into the line-up with first-choice Jonas Hector suffering a cold, the Hertha Berlin defender started pretty cold himself. In only his seventh senior game for Germany he was nervy early on but steadied thereafter.
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