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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
James Whaling

Germany 0-1 Mexico: Hirving Lozano hits only goal as holders are stunned in Moscow - 5 talking points

Germany were stunned in their opening game at the World Cup as they lost 1-0 to Mexico in Group F.

Hirving Lozano's first-half strike was enough to seal all three points for the Mexicans who have now given themselves a great chance of progression to the group stage.

Timo Werner squandered Germany's best chance in the second half as he fired over with a volley from close range.

Joachim Loew's men must now regroup ahead of games against Sweden and South Korea - with a potential last-16 tie against Brazil in the pipeline if they fail to top the group.

Here are five talking points from the game...

1. "The Mexicans were bloody brilliant, weren't they?"

Mexico were impressive in their victory (REUTERS)

Three cheers for Ramirez!

Mexico sprung the first major shock of this World Cup and it was fully deserved.

Germany were as short as 1/2 before kick-off to pick up the three points but were second best throughout to a Mexican side with a clear plan to frustrate and entertain in equal measure.

There has been a lot of talk about a potential surprise package this year - and Mexico have thrown their names right into the hat.

2. Lozano throws himself into the transfer market

Manchester United were among the clubs to be linked with Hirving Lozano before this tournament kicked off.

And some more of Europe's biggest clubs may now be considering a swoop after an impressive display here.

He was a constant menace on the left flank and took his goal brilliantly; cutting on to his right foot and smashing past Manuel Neuer.

Mexico had been threatening to score before they finally took the lead and it was a well-deserved opener.

At just 22, it's difficult to see Lozano being with PSV for too much longer.

3. Kimmich endures rough afternoon

Kimmich had a rough afternoon defensively (AFP)

Perhaps a victim of the system as much as anything else - but this was a rough afternoon for Joshua Kimmich.

Deployed in the right wing-back role, he was given a torrid time by Hirving Lozano with the Mexican winger regularly finding acres of space on the left flnak.

Joachim Loew's setup demands the wing-backs support the attack and Kimmich seemed to find fulfilling his defensive responsibilities a hard balance to strike.

The Bayern Munich man is considered one of the best young players in the world in his position, but he's had better games than this.

4. Herrera shows skill and steel in equal measure

Herrera impressed in the engine room for Mexico (AFP)

While Mexico's attacking players may take the headlines, Hector Herrera turned in a wonderful display in the engine room.

The 28-year-old Porto midfielder put his foot in when it was needed and also showed his talent with the ball at his feet in an accomplished performance.

He was a key figure in leading Porto to the Portuguese title in 2017-18 and it was easy to see why here.

On this evidence, he looks like being a similarly important player in Mexico's bid to reach the knockout stages - and beyond.

5. A penny for the thoughts of Leroy Sane

Loew opted not to include Sane in his 23-man squad (AFP)

We cannot say with any certainty, of course, whether the inclusion of Leroy Sane would have made any difference here.

But in a toothless German attack, he would have given them something they did not display.

His omission was maybe a bigger deal in England than it was in Germany given Sane's incredible season in the Premier League, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year on his way to helping Manchester City to the title.

But he must have been one of the more frustrated Germans watching on in their opener, unable to turn a tide his talent certainly has the capability of turning.

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