Russia 2018: Mexico stun World Cup champions Germany in huge upset

Hirving Lozano was the hero as Mexico beat reigning champions Germany 1-0 in a thrilling match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The defeat was Germany’s first in a World Cup opener since 1982. Mexico made a blistering start, barely a minute on the clock when Lozano broke into the area on the left, evading […]

Hirving Lozano was the hero as Mexico beat reigning champions Germany 1-0 in a thrilling match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.

The defeat was Germany’s first in a World Cup opener since 1982.

Mexico made a blistering start, barely a minute on the clock when Lozano broke into the area on the left, evading Joshua Kimmich but seeing his strike blocked by Jerome Boateng for a corner that Manuel Neuer eventually claimed.

But Germany responded, Kimmich threading a pass to Timo Werner who lashed a low shot across goal and beyond the far post from a tight angle.

Thomas Muller then did well to win the ball back on the edge of the Mexico area but, when it fell to Mats Hummels, his low shot was gathered by Guillermo Ochoa.

Hector Herrera sent a shot skidding into Neuer’s gloves as Mexico came forward again, giving the World Cup holders plenty to think about in the opening stages with a number of swift breaks.

And it could have been worse for Joachim Low’s side a minute before the break, Vela poking just wide from the edge of the area as he continued to ask plenty of questions of the defence.

Germany tried to turn the tide in the second half with several efforts that the Mexican defence was able to contain.