Magic Mexico stun groggy Germany

Germany 0
Mexico 1
Lozano 35

Three things we learned...

1Mexico look genuine dark horses
No Mexican side have got beyond the last 16 at a World Cup on foreign soil but that may be about to change.

They produced a stunning first-half performance against Germany which could and should have yielded more than a one-goal half-time lead and they defended with intelligence and bravery after the break.

Head coach Juan Carlos Osorio deserves huge credit for deploying a three-pronged attack which caused Germany all sorts of problems and he made substitutions at the right times to bolster his defence and midfield.

Mexico have a great chance of going on to win Group F and that could mean they avoid Brazil in the round of 16.

2Germany need a tactical rethink
As good as Mexico were, Germany played into their hands by defending so poorly.

Full backs Joshua Kimmich and Marvin Plattenhardt were under instructions to push forward at every opportunity but that left oceans of space in behind and Mexico exploited it time and time again.

They showed plenty of patience when attacking and went close on several occasions.

But there was the lack of a credible Plan B until Mario Gomez came off the bench.

Low waited until the 79th minute to bring on Gomez but the substitute let him down, heading wide from an excellent position.

3Trophy defence may last just three more games
Germany showed enough to suggest that they will get out of the group by claiming victories against Sweden and South Korea, but a possible round-of-16 meeting against Brazil could be curtains for their trophy defence.

They were the full package four years ago but seem to have forgotten how to defend.

Mexico found it far too easy to hit them ion the counter-attack and better teams will be more clinical with the final pass or finish.

A huge improvement would be needed for Germany to get past Brazil or any of the other tournament heavyweights.

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