World Cup 2018
World Cup 2018: Mexico vs Germany Preview
Mexico and Germany go head to head in this much anticipated Group F showdown. The current world champions and “El Tri” are both favored to progress to the knockout stages making this match the most exciting since Spain vs Portugal. The Germans are expected to begin their title defense with a victory but the Central Americans are no small task. Kickoff is at 4 pm local time [11 am ET] in Russia’s historic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow.
Background
Both countries enter the World Cup Finals after qualifying with relative ease. ‘Die Mannschaft’ has been near perfect, winning 100% of their qualifying matches, conceding only 4 goals and adding young talent. The fact that Mario Goetze whose goal won the World Cup for Germany in 2014 is absent, is a testament to the wealth of talent they possess.
Mexico will come into this match aware of their poor record against the Europeans, losing 4-1 in their most recent encounter. However, they boast an experienced side and are playing in their 7th consecutive World Cup Finals. They come to Russia well prepared under coach Juan Carlos Osorio. Osorio took charge in 2015 and has impressed, losing only one qualification match when qualification had already been secured.
The German’s objective will be to avoid the so-called ‘Champions Curse’. Most recent World Cup finals have seen the current holders fail miserably and Mexico will be aiming to continue this trend.
Predicted Lineups
Germany: Neuer, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Rudiger, Khedira, Kroos, Ozil, Muller, Reus, Werner.
Mexico: Ochoa, Salcedo, Moreno, Ayala, Marquez, Herrera, Jonathan dos Santos, Guardado, Giovani Dos Santos, Vela, Hernandez
Prediction
Both Mexican coach Osorio and much-loved goalkeeper Ochoa expressed confidence in their ability to win. While Mexican success at the World Cup has been hosting more so than playing, they certainly possess the talent to defeat the Germans. Pragmatism, however, will be the reason that so many expect a German victory. The current champions have been at least semifinalists in 8 of the past 11 tournaments while their opponents have never made it past the quarterfinals. Group stage or not, Germany seems to always be ready. In eleven past meetings, Mexico has only managed one victory against the Germans.
Mexico 1 – 3 Germany
