FIFA World Cup: 3 things Mexico did right in 1-0 win over Germany

Mexico caused the first real upset of the WC 2018 after consigning reigning world champions Germany to a stunning 1-0 defeat in Group F's opener. Hirving Lozano capped off a superb counterattack as the El Tri have taken a huge step towards the last 16 by claiming all three points.

The Die Mannschaft were simply not in their element, painfully vulnerable on the counter and struggling to get the creative juices flowing while going forward.

Germany, coming off the back of just a single win in 6 games, are yet to iron out the chinks in their armour and were resultantly handed a rude awakening.

Here's what Mexico did right in the shock win:

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#1 Hitting Germany on the break

Germany

were

caught on the break by Mexico

Germany were set up in a close-knit 4-4-2 and breaking them from open play was difficult on most occasions. Manuel Neuer's towering presence meant long balls came to no fruition either. But Mexico found the other way round to get past them - invite them in their half and hit them on the break, out of the blue.

Every counterattack that El Tri broke into, threatened to end with the ball at the back of the net. Germany were thoroughly exposed during this transition as pushing bodies upfield left acres of space for the Mexican to run into, and had to run for their lives everytime they broke forward.

Lozano's goal was a result of one such clinical move, rounding it off with an equally impressive finish that eventually proved enough to seal a win. Mexico was laid down a blueprint to beat Germany, and Sweden, a favourite to progress through the group, might want to take a leaf off their books.

#2 Making a strong start to the match

Mexico made the better start of the two

Mexico weren't touted to get much from the match but didn't let the psychological disadvantage weigh them down. El Tri came flying out of the blocks and alerted Germany with a genuine effort as early as the second minute. It was the sign of things to come, except the champions failed to notice it.

Mexico's effervescent show during the opening exchanges kept Germany on their toes as some brilliant counterattacks and scoring opportunities helped build strong momentum. El Tri also managed to get that goal during one of those episodes.

With the clock winding down on the game, Die Mannschaft grew aggressive by the minute but Mexico held on its own and stifled all attempts to protect the lead.

#3 Laying a firm claim to last 16 spot

Mexico are now

favourites

to win the group

Germany thumped Mexico 4-1 last year in the very Russian pastures during the Confederations Cup clash. Another easy victory looked to be on the cards, but Mexico have surely learnt their lessons and turned in a much better performance. So much so that they have laid a strong claim to the top spot in the group.

With three points in the bag, El Tri will now have to avoid a defeat in the remaining two games at all costs to progress to the next round, while a win over South Korea in the next round would do the job. But then to progress as winners, they will have to avoid a defeat to Sweden on the final matchday and on current evidence, they look capable of doing it.

Mexico haven't progressed beyond the last 16 in any of the last 7 World Cups, now here's a chance to break the duck. They would not only avoid Brazil, but neither of Switzerland, Costa Rica or Serbia look formidable enough to topple this Mexican side. It's too early to deduce anything, but signs are up there.

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