Two close encounters resulted in a tight win and a big upset as an enthralling story unfolds in Group F.
What Happened
Reigning World Champions Germany got the ball rolling against Mexico in the Luzhniki Stadium and the Central American outfit claimed what might be the upset of the tournament making the most of their counter-attacking opportunities pinching one through youngster Hirving Lozano and withstanding a multitude of chances.
The second game saw a much more balanced affair as South Korea took on Sweden with the two sides swapping chances before what seems like the 100th VAR determined penalty of the tournament handed Swedish captain Andreas Granqvist the winner from the spot.
Stand Out Performers
1. It’s hard to look past young PSV star Lozano at the moment after scoring 17 goals in 29 games with his club in the Netherlands and now setting Mexico’s campaign alight by bagging the winner against a heavily favoured German side and at 22-years of age his career is only just beginning.
2. Guillermo Ochoa had an unbelievable game against Germany and Mexican goalkeeper once again proved his worth on the global stage making a huge nine saves including a stunning fingertip stop to deny Toni Kroos what would have been a definite goal from a free kick.
3. Granqvist led from the back and the Swede led his side to a pivotal win on the opening Match Day providing an anchor in the heart of defence before stepping up and giving the Scandinavian outfit three points with a high-pressure penalty.
Talking Points
Are we finally seeing a German side unworthy of silverware? While Mexico provided the perfect concoction of pace and skill on the counter-attack it seems Germany were short on options to turn the game around and Sweden will be out for blood when they face the reigning champions on Match Day 2. Meanwhile Mexico will be looking to secure their spot in the Round of 16 the they face South Korea who will be hoping for a result before a tough final match against the Germans.
What it Means
Mexico now look the most likely to emerge from a difficult group and if they can play like they did against Germany then they may even top Group F and while Germany will need to pick up their game they should have what it takes to bury Sweden and South Korea in the coming games.
Needs Work
First of all Germany will need to go back to the drawing board and pluck a few more plays out of Joachim Low’s book in order to break down a more compact defence because Mexico, though somewhat lucky, held the European giants with relative ease.
South Korea on the other hand seemed nervy and panicked in front of goal and often resorted to firing in hopeful long balls but Tae-Yong Shin will need to get a little more creativity from his side in the final third if they are to save face and leave Russia with at least a point.
What’s Next
Group F surprise package Mexico can put South Korea out of the equation at the Rostov Arena in Match Day 2 while Germany will be hoping to turn their fortunes around against Sweden at the Fisht Olympic Stadium with both games being played on Sunday morning.
Goal of the Day
With just two to choose from and one being a penalty it’s an easy choice for goal of the day but that certainly doesn’t mean it wasn’t a spectacular goal and Hirving Lozano’s goal meant a lot to his side as he cut inside Matts Hummels and rocketed a close range effort into the bottom left corner.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL! Mexico! 1-0! What terrible defending for Germany. #GERMEX #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/u6ulBmVjbo
— SBS – The World Game (@TheWorldGame) June 17, 2018
Miss of the Day
The worst miss of Group F’s first Match Day came in the second encounter when Marcus Berg was given an opportunity on a silver platter and fired his shot straight at South Korean goalkeeper Hyun-Woo Choo before Granqvist rescued his side with the winning penalty.
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