Germany suffered a shock loss in their opening match of the World Cup, losing 1-0 to Mexico as their title defence got off to the worst possible start.
The players looked off the pace and overwhelmed by Mexico’s pace and desire.
Here’s how each one rated.
STARTING XI
Manuel Neuer 6 – Couldn’t do much for Mexico’s goal, and performed admirably otherwise. He actually didn’t have a save of note to make.
Joshua Kimmich 5 – Not enough of an attacking presence, and caught too far up the pitch countless times as Mexico constantly broke with menace.
Jerome Boateng 6 – The best of a bad lot in defence for Germany. He was the lone man back for Mexico’s goal, which puts him in greater credit than his teammates.
Mats Hummels 5 – His lack of pace showed him up against Mexico’s relentless counter-attacking, as he looked helpless on multiple occasions.
Marvin Plattenhardt 5 – The surprise pick in Germany’s XI, and he didn’t justify his selection. Was duly taken off as his team pushed for a goal.
Sami Khedira 4 – Overrun in midfield when Mexico counter-attacked and nowhere in the picture for the goal. He’s relied upon to be a defensive presence but failed to do that.
Toni Kroos 5 – Neat passing as always but seemed to always miss a teammate by a few inches with his most expansive attempts. Came closest to scoring, with a first-half free-kick.
Thomas Muller 5 – Where was Muller? Tried hard, took up good positions, played a few good passes, but this was a shadow of the striker who dominated the last two World Cups.
Mesut Ozil 5 – A willing runner – he was the player who made it back in a vain attempt to stop Mexico’s goal, although he was beaten easily. Failed to provide the needed penetration in attack.
Julian Draxler 7 – Germany’s best player on the night, although that’s faint praise given their performance. Failed to produce anything truly special.
Timo Werner 5 – Produced a dud in his first World Cup appearance. Rarely looked like scoring, when that’s what he’s in the side to do.
SUBSTITUTES
Marco Reus 5 – Brought on to provide more penetration as Germany dominated possession in search of a goal, but couldn’t deliver.
Mario Gomez 4 – Squandered two of Germany’s best chances, overhitting a pass when Werner would have been through on goal and then putting a free header wide.
Julian Brandt 6 – Nearly stole the headlines with a late strike, flashing a volley just wide of the goal. Had little chance to make an impact otherwise.
