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The reigning world champions Germany face the mercurial South American side, Mexico first up in a crucial Group F tie at the Luzhniki stadium in Moscow on Sunday.
The Germans are the number one ranked side in the world. They have made it at least to the semi-finals of each edition of the World Cup since the turn of the millennium. And they have just the team to make it to another one this time around or perhaps go all the way as well.
But die Mannschaft have a “Champion’s curse” to overcome. And if their poor showing during warm up friendlies for the World Cup is anything to go by, they will have their task cut out for them.
The Mexicans on the other hand have been the perennial second rounders in World Cups. They have made it to the round of 16 in each of the last six editions but have failed to go any further.
The last time these two teams met, Germany came out on top as they thrashed Mexico 4-1 in a Confederations Cup semi-final tie last year.
Will the Germans pip the South American side yet again or will the Mexicans settle old scores with a win? And while we wait for the answer tomorrow, let’s take a look at five key players who can turn the match in favour of their respective national sides.
#1 Thomas Muller, Midfielder (Germany)
Thomas Mueller was there when Germany won the coveted trophy in 2014. And he will be out there on the biggest stage once again, as they bid to defend the title in Russia.
The 2010 Golden Boot winner is a versatile player and has taken up a variety of attacking roles in Germany's midfield over the years. But his exploits on the right wing, with Ozil in the centre, has benefited the side more in recent times and he would like to continue along the same lines.
The Bayern Munich talisman has a knack for being at the right place at the right time which explains his high tally of goals for club and country over the years.
In his 91 international appearances he has scored 38 goals and has provided 36 assists. His World Cup goal tally reads 10 goals from 13 matches. How about that for consistency!
Mueller’s movements in the final third will be imperative as the Mexicans are expected to sit back and defend for much of the 90 minutes.
#2 Hirving Lozano, Winger (Mexico)
Popularly known as “Chucky”, he is one of the most exciting young talents in this edition of the World Cup.
The 22-year-old earned his first cap for the Mexican national team in 2016 and has been a regular starter since.
He's come to the World Cup on the back of a terrific season with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven, where he’s scored 19 goals in 34 appearances and won the league.
The right footed player has got all the attributes of a modern winger.
He’s quick, he’s got phenomenal technical ability to ghost past defenders and Germany’s back line will be wary of his advances into their territory.
Lozano usually plays on the left wing and it will be interesting to see how he fares against the German right-back Joshua Kimmich tomorrow.
#3 Toni Kroos, Midfielder (Germany)
If the recent friendlies are anything to go by, Toni Kroos will be in-charge of the German midfield alongside Sami Khedira, the latter playing in a more defensive role.
Known for his passing finesse, vision and technique, Kroos has been an integral part of Real Madrid’s success over the years and we can say the same about his performances on national duty as well.
What sets him apart from the rest of his ilk is his ability to play in several midfield positions. If manager Joachim Low decides to play a different system than his preferred 4-2-3-1, he might deploy Kroos on the left flank or as a deep-lying playmaker.
“Games are won or lost in midfield” they say, and his exploits might as well decide as to who wins that midfield battle tomorrow.
#4 Hector Moreno, Centre back (Mexico)
Yeah, you read that right. We’ve picked a central defender from the South American side in our list for obvious reasons.
Mexico can’t afford to concede if they are to make a match out of their tie against Germany. A draw will be an excellent result for them. However, it will be a daunting task to keep the likes of Muller and Ozil at bay.
In the absence of Nestor Arauzo, Hector Moreno will lead their back-line alongside the likes of Diego Reyes and Carlos Salcedo.
After a disappointing last season with Roma, the 30-year-old has had a relatively better spell at Real Sociedad this year.
Moreno’s defensive skills will be put to test by the mighty Germans on Sunday. Who comes out victorious at the end of 90 minutes, we will just have to wait and see.
#5 Timo Werner, Striker (Germany)
As the Germans take the field tomorrow, their goal-scoring responsibilities will primarily lie with striker Timo Werner. The RB Leipzig forward has had a phenomenal season in Bundesliga, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists from 32 appearances. Little wonder he is attracting attention from big European clubs lately.
Werner made his senior debut for the national team last year and was instrumental in their Confederation Cup triumph, where his three goals fetched him the tournament’s Golden Boot award.
More than the numbers, it’s his style of play that augurs well for the national side. He’s got pace and is deadly with his shooting. Aided by the likes of Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller from behind, he can devastate Mexico’s back-line in minutes.
All stats via transfermarkt
