LIVE UPDATES: Germany vs Mexico

Hello and welcome to the live updates session of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, we focus on the first game in Group F between 2014 World Cup winners, Germany as they take on Mexico.

Preview from FIFA

Much has changed since Germany’s last FIFA World Cup™ appearance. A raft of experienced players retired from the international fold for the four-time champions and the youngster who scored that priceless Maracana winner – Mario Gotze – did not make the final 23 for Russia.

While change has been forthcoming for Germany, two things have remained stable: success and Joachim Low. Die Mannschaft breezed through World Cup qualifying, winning ten out of ten, scoring 43 and conceding just four, and lifted the FIFA Confederations Cup last year with a youthful squad, while Low recently penned a contract until 2020.

On the way to that latter title, Germany saw off Mexico, who have themselves grown under the tutelage of Juan Carlos Osorio, in charge since 2015. The Colombian coach will look to avenge the 4-1 defeat in Sochi last year after steering Mexico comprehensively through World Cup qualifying – they lost just once in 16 games, the sole defeat coming after their passage to Russia had already been confirmed.

Mexico know they are not favourites, but a good performance would be a strong statement to start the World Cup. If they manage to draw it would be taken as a superb result, given that Germany won 4-1 in their last encounter. Coach Juan Carlos Osorio and the players have stated they are up to the challenge and are not afraid. Let’s see if that translates into a strong performance today.

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