Mexico stun holders Germany in major upset

Germany slumped to a first defeat in a World Cup opener since 1982 as Mexico claimed a famous 1-0 win courtesy of Hirving Lozano’s first-half strike.

A stunning game at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium saw the holders come up against a resilient Mexico side, who deservedly took the lead when Lozano tucked an effort past Manuel Neuer at the near post.

And the wall that was Mexico’s defence never caved in, as 25 shots came and went for Germany without finding the net – with goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa producing nine saves, including a stunning one to tip Toni Kroos’ free-kick onto the bar.

In truth, Mexico could have extended their lead further when a number of counter-attacks left Germany looking horrendously exposed, but those missed opportunities did not prove costly on an afternoon which will go down as arguably their greatest moment at a World Cup finals.

Reigning champions: Outplayed, exposed, misfiring. Germany will take heart from Spain’s 2010 campaign, where they lost their opener against Switzerland before going on to lift the trophy, but there were worrying signs all over the pitch from the holders. They may well bounce back against South Korea and Sweden, but against Mexico they were short of ideas. Too many attempts were speculative ones, while they left their centre-backs facing numerous 3-on-2’s and 2-on1’s. Had Mexico been more clinical, than the scoreline could have been much worse. But credit must also go to Mexico, who will be desperate to overcome their last-16 curse. Finish top of Group F and they give themselves a great chance.

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico): There were heroic performances all over the park from Mexico, but it’s not often a goalkeeper can come out with a clean sheet against the world champions. Ochoa’s save to deny Kroos was superb, and he exuded calmness when it mattered as Germany upped the ante in the second half.

Mexico: Ochoa 8, Ayala 7, Salcedo 7, Moreno 7, Gallardo 7, Herrera 8, Layun 8, Guardado 7, Vela 7, Hernandez 8, Lozano 8. Subs: Alvarez 6, Jimenez 7, Marquez 6.

Germany: Neuer 5, Plattenhardt 4, Kimmich 6, Hummels 5, Boateng 5, Khedira 3, Draxler 4, Kroos 5, Ozil 3, Werner 4, Muller 4. Subs: Reus 5, Gomez 6, Brandt N/A.

2’ - CRUCIAL BLOCK! Fast start from Mexico. Lozano is borderline offside but he cuts inside and gets a shot away, only to see Boateng fly over and make a crucial interception. Germany fail to deal with the resulting corner, but it ricochets into the path of Neuer who smothers the ball to kill the attack.

21’ - SAVE! Best chance of the match so far for Germany, and it falls to Werner. He's about 15 yards out when he swivels and shoots, but it's straight at Ochoa.

35’ - GOAL! Lozano fires Mexico in front! And it's no more than they deserve... Hernandez finds himself one-on-one with Boateng, and he opts to slide it over for Lozano, who cuts inside before tucking it past Neuer at the near post. Wow.

38’ - WHAT A SAVE! Germany have a free-kick some 25 yards out, and Kroos' curled effort is destined for the top corner, but Ochoa flies over to tip it onto the bar!

65’ - OVER! But only just... Boateng's cross is behind Kimmich, but he opts for the spectacular and sees his overhead kick loop onto the roof of the net.

90’ - WIDE! An almighty scramble in the Mexico box and it falls to Brandt on the edge of the area... but he fires JUST wide. So, so close.