World Cup 2018: 3 things we learned from the Germany versus Mexico clash

The opening game of Group F between Germany and Mexico was a blockbuster. The game was played at a high tempo right from the start. Mexico was the dominant team in the first- half as they played with pace, and were quite threatening to the German defence.

The Mexican attack consisting of Vela, Hernandez and Lozano was able to run in behind the German defenders quite easily, and Lozano scored the opening goal with a cool finish in the 35th minute.

Germany on the other hand were dull and were not playing fluently before the goal was scored by Mexico. Their only close chance in the first half came from the free-kick of Kroos which hit the bar.

Germany was a far better team in the second half, they created a lot of chances and came close to equalise. Mexico sat deep, were resilient and played counter-attacking football in the second half. They themselves had a fair number of chances to finish the game.

In the end, Mexico's defence was able to ward off Germany's attack and defeat the defending World Cup Champions 1-0. It was an interesting game which kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Let us have a look at 3 things we learned from the match.

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#3 Mexico was terrific in the first half

Mexico took the lead in the first half

Mexico started the game with a bang! Lozano had a good chance within 2 minutes, Herrera and Hernandez had their shots on target saved easily by Neuer, and the Mexican pace was too much to bear for Germany.

Vela and Lozano's pace coupled with Hernandez's match awareness were the crucial ingredients for Mexico's success.

The Germans were dull, couldn't set their rhythm in the game and their problems were further aggravated with Kimmich going forward during their attacks, hence leaving too much pace for Lozano to run into.

The Mexicans were rewarded for their efforts with Lozano opening the scoring for them in the 35th minute with a wonderful run on the left-hand side and a calm finish. Germany became more aggressive after this goal, this saw Toni Kroos hitting the bar with his excellent free kick.

#2 Germany started to look alive in the second-half

The Germans fought hard in the second half

Germany became more aggressive in the second half. They dominated possession as Mexico defended deep and looked to counter-attack.They created many chances in the second half but couldn't find the perfect finish to level the score.

Kimmich had a good chance in the opening stages of the second half as his overhead kick just went over the bar.

Draxler's shot from Muller's excellent cross was deflected for a corner. The attacking substitutes Reus, Gomez and Brandt made vital impact in the game as Gomez's header went wide while Brandt's magnificent shot touched the outer part of the pole.

Germany's intense attack as well as Mexico's resolute defence made the game even more exciting in the second half.

#1 Match winning performance of Hirving Lozano

Lozano - one to watch

Lozano proved in this match that he is arguably the brightest talent in world football. His pace, dribbling skill, stamina and calm finishing mesmerised the audience. Lozano's tremendous pace created havoc for Germany's defense.

Kimmich was no match for him as he was beaten quite easily and stayed up the pitch, leading to Lozano taking advantage and opening up the German defence. His pace and composure in front of goal enabled him to score for Mexico in the 35th minute.

He received a standing ovation from the crowd after being substituted in the second half. Lozano will be a player to watch out for as the tournament progresses.