Germany kicked off their defence of their World Cup title in the worst way possible, losing 1-0 to Mexico after an uncharacteristically limp display at the Luzhniki Stadium.
Jogi Low’s side failed to click throughout, with Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira struggling to match Mexico’s hard-working midfield, personified by the superb Hector Herrera.
Indeed, the Mexicans were a constant threat on the break, catching German full-backs Joshua Kimmich and Marvin Plattenhardt too high up the pitch time and time again.
The only goal of the game would come on 35 minutes, with PSV winger Hirving Lozano turning inside Mesut Ozil before firing past Manuel Neuer.
Check out the quite superb Telemundo commentary…
The fact that it was Ozil who was the closest player to Lozano said it all about the Germans vulnerability on the break.
The World Champions almost leveled the scores soon after, only for ‘keeper Guillermo Ochoa to tip Kroos’ superb free-kick onto the bar.
After the break, the Germans improved, but despite the talent on display, they simply couldn’t break down a superbly organised Juan Carlos Osorio side.
The game would end in a shock but deserved 1-0 victory for the Mexicans, who will be confident of making it to the knockout stages.
As for Germany, they suffered their first World Cup finals defeat since the 2010 semi-final against Spain.
Worryingly for Germany, a potential second place finish in Group F could set up a last 16 clash with the Group E winners, who should be Brazil.
Low and his coaching staff have a lot of work to do ahead of their second game against Sweden next Saturday, with his side disappointing both in defence and attack.