World Cup: Defending champions Germany suffer shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico

Germany’s World Cup defense began in the worst possible fashion after they were defeated 1-0 by Mexico in Group F of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Germany’s World Cup defense began in the worst possible fashion after they were defeated 1-0 by Mexico in Group F of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Mexico scored the first goal in an end-to-end first-half through a blistering counter-attack in the 35th minute.

Forward Javier Hernandez broke through the German defense before squaring the ball for Hirving Lozano who finished emphatically.

A flying save from Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa moments later denied Germany the opportunity to equalize after he parried a Toni Kroos free-kick destined for the top corner. Ochua is making his fourth World Cup appearance for Mexico.

Germany's midfielder Toni Kroos gestures during the 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 17, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Kirill Kudryavtsev)
Germany's midfielder Toni Kroos gestures during the 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on June 17, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Kirill Kudryavtsev)

Despite their efforts, the 2014 champions were unable to find the equalizer thanks to some brilliant defending by Mexico.

Germany’s next match is against Sweden on June 23 before they play South Korea on June 27. Mexico will play the South Koreans on June 23 then Sweden on June 27.

Earlier in the day, Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 in Group E action with defender Aleksandar Kolarov scoring the only goal in the match—a fantastic free-kick in the 56th minute.

Elsewhere in Group E, Brazil, who is one of the favorites to win the tournament, drew 1-1 with Switzerland.

The five-time champions scored first through Barcelona midfielder Philippe Coutinho who curled an unstoppable shot into the top corner.

Brazil's forward Philippe Coutinho (right) celebrates his goal during the 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Brazil and Switzerland at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don, Russia, on June 17, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Joe Klamar)
Brazil's forward Philippe Coutinho (right) celebrates his goal during the 2018 World Cup Group E football match between Brazil and Switzerland at the Rostov Arena in Rostov-On-Don, Russia, on June 17, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Joe Klamar)

Switzerland responded shortly after the start of the second-half after Steven Zuber headed in from a corner.

Brazil will play Costa Rica on June 22 while Switzerland takes on Serbia the same day. The last round of Group E games on June 27 sees Brazil face Serbia as the Swiss take on South American opponents Costa Rica.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup takes place between June 14 and July 15 with 32 teams from five different confederations competing.