The 2018 FIFA World Cup got its first real shock as defending champions Die Mannschaft were deservedly beaten by a fired up Mexican side.
The loss was shocking in the context of it being Germany’s first loss of a World Cup opening match since 1982. However, keen watchers of the team would say that it was a loss that has been coming and they would be right.
In the last two friendlies before Russia 2018 began, the team struggled for cohesion and to create opportunities against Austria (a game the team deservedly lost 2-1) and a labored 2-1 win against Saudi Arabia.
Joachim Low would have put those losses down to the nature of those particular games as Germany has never been a team which gives 100% in friendly games. However, the lethargic display and shock caused by El Tri’s bright, high-pressing and constantly moving attack has raised a lot of alarm in the German media and among the team’s fans
The team will have to prepare well for what has now become a make-or-break tie against the very resilient Blagult of Sweden.