Germany vs. Mexico: Can the defending champions continue their dominance?

Group F kicks off with a fantastic match between two heavily supported teams.

In one of the toughest groups in the whole of the World Cup, tournament favorites Germany take on a Mexican team eager to silence the critics.

Germany are not heading into this match on the best run of form. After a perfect 10-0 qualifying campaign, the nation went on to win just one of their six friendlies, drawing three and losing the other two.

This did not seem to cause any panic in the media, however, as Germany is still one of the favorites to win the 2018 World Cup.

Mainly due to their wealth of talent in the squad, Germany are heading into this first game against Mexico with a noticeably stronger team.

How will they match up?

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The starting XI that Joachim Löw will roll out is likely to be the exact same starting XI he used against Saudi Arabia on June 8th. They should also stick to the same formation, sporting a 4231 in that tune up friendly.

Focusing on the attacking four, Germany is poised to put some serious pressure on the Mexican backline early and often. The combination of Timo Werner up top and Marco Reus just behind him will be enough alone to cause problems for the opposition.

The duo of Reus and Werner will need to be guarded closely by Mexico’s defensive line. Hector Morena and Hugo Ayala will be the two central defenders tasked with stopping the German onslaught.

A 4141 formation that Mexico used in their most recent friendly against Denmark would be a solid choice against Germany as well.

The one deep midfielder could drop in to mark Reus and cut the passing lanes when necessary, at the very least slowing down Germany’s attack.

The two wide players for Mexico will have a busy match as well as they will be the outlet for any turnover their team can create.

Jesus Corona will have a very tough time against Joshua Kimmich on Mexico’s left side, but getting crosses in for Oribe Peralta needs to be his main goal.

Predicitons

Germany are a different animal when it comes to the World Cup. Thomas Muller also seems to come alive in big tournaments, and his wide play could be the difference maker in this match.

The midfield for Mexico will be their make or break area of the field. If they are somehow able to overpower the star studded German midfield, they could disrupt Löw’s plan and force him to adjust early.

Mexico’s fullbacks are very worrisome, though. Jesus Gallardo and Carlos Slacedo are not exactly the most talented in the world.

If they ever do overlap and get forward, Mexico could be in for a rude awakening in the form of a deadly German counter attack.

A draw for Mexico would be an incredible start to their group stage play. Germany will come out firing on all cylinders and look to start this tournament on a high note.

All signs seem to be pointing in Germany’s favor, and the question does not seem to be who will win, but by how many Germany will put past Mexico.

Next: Three Mexican players to watch at the World Cup

Who do you think will win: Germany or Mexico?