The Stats Zone
June 16 2018, 13:53 · Trystan Pugh

2018 FIFA World Cup – Germany vs Mexico Preview

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AT A GLANCE

When? Sunday 17th June, 16:00

Where? Luzhniki Stadium

What channel is it on? BBC1

Where can I stream the match? BBC license holders can stream the match online via BBC iPlayer

Are tickets still available? https://www.ticketbisevents.com/en/group-f-germany-mexico-sweden-south-korea-tickets/ca5916

THE TEAM NEWS

GERMANY

  • Led by Joachim Low, the longest-serving national team coach in Europe, expectations are high as always for Germany coming into this event, and while they may not have the glamourous big names as some of their challengers for the title, they have an incredibly strong squad once again.
  • Their only real injury concern for this opening match surrounds Mesut Ozil with the Arsenal playmaker facing a late fitness test but it is expected that he will pass fit with Reus on standby to come in for him.
  • Low has to decide whether to risk Neuer in goal after being out injured for virtually the whole of last season when he has a talented option in Ter Stegen, while he could surprise many and start with veteran Mario Gomez up front rather than talented youngster Timo Werner.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Neuer

Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Hector

Khedira, Kroos

Muller, Ozil, Draxler

Werner

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: Ozil

MEXICO

  • Unlike recent World Cups, qualifying was fairly straight forward for Mexico and their expectations are to make the quarter-finals in Russia albeit in what is a relatively difficult group that will challenge them.
  • Despite that, there is plenty of discussion around the coach's position and his selections as they come into the opener against Germany, so things could quickly become negative if they do not start well.
  • There is a fine mix between experience and talent within the squad and PSV star Hirving Lozano could be one to grab the limelight here while Javier Hernandez will lead the line and offer great goal threat.

Predicted line-up (4-2-3-1):

Ochoa

Salcedo, Moreno, Reyes, Layun

Herrera, Guardado

Vela, G. Dos Santos, Lozano

Hernandez

Unavailable: None

Doubtful: None

THE PREDICTION

This is one of the most competitive matches in the group stage and will mean both teams have to hit the ground running. Germany are known for starting slowly and working their way into the tournament but they cannot afford to here and neither can the Mexicans. Both teams play an attacking style and it seems unfathomable that there will not be goals in this game despite it being the first group game for both. Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals is interesting.