Germany vs Mexico: 5 Talking Points, World Cup 2018

#2 Germany's midfielders abandon their defensive duties

Mats Hummels attempts an unnecessary tackle at the half-line

One of the main reasons why Mexico were so effective when they counter-attacked was because they were able to do so without a numerical disadvantage. Almost every counter-attack from El Tri saw them in 2-vs-2 or 3-vs-3 situations with a high probability of success - provided they made the right decision in the final third.

Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos played in the midfield pivot but it was far from that. When Germany had the ball and Mexico retreated into their half, both German midfielders looked to get forward.

With Mesut Ozil (their third midfielder) waiting for the ball in space between the lines, there was nobody else to shield Hummels and Boateng. There were times when both centre-backs had nobody in front of them to stop a counter-attack when Germany were dispossessed.

This saw them risk challenges high up the pitch and their biggest mistake saw Hummels go for a non-existent challenge and losing his footing that eventually led to the goal.

To make matters worse, their high line did not do Germany any favours either with Mexico utilising their pace very well to get forward quickly.