Reigning Champion Germany losing to youthful Magical Mexico (0-1) and hot favorite Brazil sharing points with impressive Switzerland completed the stumbling of all four top favorites of World Cup 2018 in their respective first round matches.

Earlier, Spain drawing with Portugal 3-3 and Argentina sharing points with Iceland 1-1 were stories of favorites failing to impress. So far among favorites only France could win against Australia 2-1. But they also looked far from impressive. Today, England and Belgium would launch their mission. It will be interesting watching how they perform. Thanks to extensive activities of FIFA football standards are developing in so many countries. The difference between top and mid-ranked teams are minimizing progressively .No team can be taken for guaranteed now.

The contest between Germany and Mexico, Brazil and Switzerland were so intense that there was little surprise with the outcome. Mexico not only absorbed Germany attacks flooding their territory but also in counter forays kept German defense perspiring. Similarly, Switzerland looked so impressive. They not only bottled Neymar restricting his maneuvering space, but also effectively blunted the fluidity of the Selcaos. Luckily, Brazil did not concede defeat while Germans did. Hope all teams would sustain the early form. If that happens, this world cup will become even contest in every match. Favorites usually improve match after match. Finally quality bench strength pays off.

Mexico Shell Shocked Lethargic Germany:

Mexico 1 (HirvingLozano): Germany 0 Germany in one of its warm up matches lost to Austria. It appeared that they did not get over from that reverse. Mexico mostly relying on the power and strength of their fleet footed youths kept surging Germans at bay. From counter attack they scored and held on to that winning valuable 3 points and almost assuring a place in round of 16. After 2010 World Cup, it was the first defeat of Germans in any world cup final.

2014 Champion Germany launching all-out attacks from the kick off left huge spaces in the midfield and defense letting fast moving Mexicans starting harassing them with swift counter attacks. One British journalist wrote three Mexican forwards poured like green shirted piranha swarm (the fearsome flesh eating fish).  The complacent Germans were caught in the trap. They were stung what act disrespect to the opponent was arguably. Mexicans surprised Germans so much that before they could recover their composure the damage was done.

It was very hot summer day; still the Luzhnki terrace was full to the brim. Cheering German and Mexican fans gave a festive look.

The match started with very brisk pace. Germans started attacking to unsettle Mexico. But it appeared from German attacks that they did not start with right combination. Hector was not in playing XI. Marvin Plattenhardt replaced him in left back. But even with galaxy of aggressive footballers upfront German attacks lacked usual punch and were blocked on Mexican defense. But when Mexico attacked like unending Mexican waves German defense started looking vulnerable.

Mexico arrives at every world cup finals with a combination of energetic, natural possession footballers with a winning mania. Hirving Lozano started finding space in German deep defence. At early stage of the match he got a nice little pass from Carlos Vela. He almost scored. Hector Moreno also about to score in 14 minutes into the match with a glancing header off a free kick which Neur parried.

Constant attacks and immediate counter attacks raised the tempo of the match .Germans perhaps looked like lacking an effective midfielder alongside Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira.  They were huffing around in pursuit of the whizzing green machine. Germans looked increasingly vulnerable as match advanced. The centre backs looked flustered to contain resurging Mexicans. The 4-2-3-1 formation of Low appeared ineffective. Thomas Muller appeared out of sorts. On the other hand Vela, Javier Hernendez and Lozano switched positions with a definite plan in place.  Three successive Mexican counter attacks ended just short of finding German net. Mexico had been enjoying majority of the territorial advantages. Finally at 35th minute the ice was broken. The ball slipped to Lozano on the left of the area. He got clear of Ozil and crushed a low drive in to German net (1-0).

It could be even more embarrassing for Germans if Vela’s smart attempt at German goal did not just missed the destination. Vela was getting open space in German business area. Stung and vexed Germans did everything possible for salvaging some pride out of the match changing tactics, changing players. But determined Mexico not only absorbed German forays but also harassed Germans with possible goal laden moves every now and then. A very desiring win for Mexicans have opened the group. Sweden and South Korean won’t be easy opponents either for Germany at all.

BDST: 1207 HRS, JUN 18, 2018

AH