#Match Report: Hirving's strike helped Mexico take a 1-0 lead over defending champions Germany

Summary

Hirving Lozano’s strike helped Mexico take a 1-0 lead over defending champions Germany at halftime in their Group F match at the Luzhniki Stadium. The first half saw a flurry of chances fall for both Germany and Mexico. However, it was Lozano’s perfectly taken shot that gave Mexico the lead in the 35th minute. Germany’s Toni Kroos struck a fine free-kick that was brilliantly saved by Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The match saw the maximum number of shots in this edition of World Cup so far. Germany enjoyed lion’s share of the possession throughout but it was the Mexicans who had the more best chances of the half

Moments

3′ Attempt Missed. Wide! Werner now showing his pace in the final third from Germany, latching onto Kimmich’s through ball but dragging a shot wide of the far post.13′ Chance! Kroos concedes a free-kick for handball, believing he was fouled and grabbing onto it, but the referee isn’t interested in his protests. It’s whipped into the middle where Moreno gets a head onto the ball but isn’t enough to truly threaten Neuer.35′ GOAL – Germany 0-1 Mexico! Lozano has been all over the Germany defence in the opening half hour and he’s finally got his reward. Hernandez leads the charge and feeds the PSV ace on the left, who cuts inside and fires into the bottom left-hand corner.39′ OFF THE BAR! Kroos fires the free-kick at goal and forces a stunning save from Ochoa, who gets a fingertip onto the ball to tip the attempt up against the bar.56′ Attempt Missed! Mexico shockingly miss golden chance to extend their lead.76′ Close from Toni Kroos! A clipped shot from 20-odd yards which fizzes into the side-netting. They are going to score aren’t they?87′ Was that the chance!? Gomez rises in the area to head at goal and you’d expect to see the net bulge. However, his effort sails over the bar.