After getting thumped 4-1 by Germany’s B team at the 2017 Confederations Cup, Mexico manager Juan Carlos Osorio has surprised many by selecting a forward-thinking starting XI against Die Mannschaft to begin El Tri's 2018 World Cup campaign.
A front three of Hirving “Chucky” Lozano, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Carlos Vela will look to get after Germany’s vaunted backline of Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels and obvious “weak link” Marvin Plattenhardt. Usual left back Jonas Hector is reportedly sick.
Incondicionales, it's go time!!! Here is our starting XI for our @FIFAWorldCup debut. #NadaNosDetiene | #WorldCup | #MEX pic.twitter.com/bjSnypmlRt
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) June 17, 2018
For Germany, there were rumors of Mesut Ozil being dropped to the bench, but the Arsenal playmaker is in the starting XI. Timo Werner starts up top for the defending world champions, and Thomas Muller will look at add to his total of 10 World Cup goals.
TEAM NEWS Here's how we line up for our #WorldCup opener #DieMannschaft #ZSMMN #GERMEX pic.twitter.com/2m7PpIuNWn
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) June 17, 2018
This is already beyond lit.
From Moscow with a wow. pic.twitter.com/bPcsj9mOmy
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 17, 2018