Mexico left defending champions Germany tired and beaten in the first major upset at the 2018 World Cup.
A Herving Lozano goal in the first half proved priceless for a team that has played four times already with the European giants at the World Cup but was yet to record a victory.
And when the young PSG talent turned Hummels in with a touch of grace in the 35th minute Germany had been left completely exposed at the back with Neuer at his mercy. He struck low and hard for the goal of glory which many Mexicans will remember for years.
Germany had more strikes at goal and perhaps a lot more possession but it was the North American side that had the better of the glaring chances including what looked like a legitimate penalty disallowed.
It could have been embarrassing for the defending champions, had Mexico been ruthless in front of goal but what they did not do in attack, they did in defence with resilience as if their lives depended on it.
Germany had been shambolic in preparation towards the World Cup. A shabby 2-1 victory against Saudi Arabia was all the defending champions could boast of after defeats to Denmark, Croatia and a draw with Wales.
But they were still hoping to hold on to the tradition of winning their opening game at the World Cup as they have done in their last seven consecutive appearances. Having already beaten the North American side in last year’s Confederations Cup 4-1 their confidence was high but everything came tumbling down in Moscow, Russia.
Mexico were gritty in defence, lightening in attack and gave the defending champions a heart-pumping opener but nothing to show for it.
It was a vintage performance, a well-deserved victory for a team that made determination a value, played to their strength-speed and skill- and left the Germans stunned in Group E.
It was a great opening 15 minutes with chances at both ends as Neuer and Ochoa were on duty for the most part.
More soon
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