slightly off through balls but their forwards have been coming clear.
Finally they finish....
Fascinating game as each team's very different strengths come to the fore in waves, biggest difference so far as I see it is that Germany's superior size and strength in the back has been snuffing most of Mexico's runs and combinations in the PA.
Kroos tried to physically intimidate the ref, who used both hands to gently put distance between their bodies, not a good look, and the ref will regret letting so much go.
Hummels should have clearly been given a caution for a late, cynical tackle, and arguably a second. Neuer showing no ill effects from long layoff.
slightly off through balls but their forwards have been coming clear.
Finally they finish....
Fascinating game as each team's very different strengths come to the fore in waves, biggest difference so far as I see it is that Germany's superior size and strength in the back has been snuffing most of Mexico's runs and combinations in the PA.
Kroos tried to physically intimidate the ref, who used both hands to gently put distance between their bodies, not a good look, and the ref will regret letting so much go.
Hummels should have clearly been given a caution for a late, cynical tackle, and arguably a second. Neuer showing no ill effects from long layoff.
I think the ref is calling good game. No real vicious physicality. Couple tough plays, some contact but it seems well controlled.
Has exploited the German right side which is pushing far up field. This is a very even game but I question whether the Germans have the speed this year to dominate.
not awful, but he has let a couple of bear hug takedowns from behind go unpunished, and as mentioned Hummels has been coming in late with hard tackles...Mexico has been pleading its case for persistent fouls, but to no avail.
Mexico is allowing way too much space to Muller, Draxler, and Werner in its defending end, they have to close up--Germany won't beat them with speed or quickness, but by superior physicality. Mexico had four or five excellent opportunities but misfired on errant crosses or poorly weighted through balls.
Several calls so blatantly favored Germany that I was actually suspecting bribery, not something I usually feel. There was the header by Khedira in the Germany box that was clearly a corner but ended up as a goal kick. I also thought Boateng should have been carded for a takedown of a Mexican winger on an outlet. Finally, i thought the German free kick right near the box towards the end of the half was questionable. At that location in the field it shouldn’t have been called. There were others, too.
Anyway, Mexico is outplaying Germany. Very surprising.
dominated the second half, but just didn't finish. Mexico's only offensive threat was the counterattack. Germany smartly conceded that possibility the entire second half to move everyone upfield, but didn't score.
as to how to take down Germany, though I didn't like how Mexico was content to sit back most of 2H, played with fire Germany spending so much time in the PA with taller, more physical players. Ochoa not world class, but he was solid. No subs at all...?
I don't know how much Chicharito has left, his form is not what it once was although he assisted Lozano's goal and Hummels leaned on him heavily on his solo run. Mexico can run, nice combinations, and can counter but its side is smallish and you wonder how well they can stand up to the long WC grind. So many failures to finish, more their own errors than stellar defensive play by Germany.
Despite a considerable size advantage Germany rarely resorted to playing the ball into the box and trying for a header until the very end. At one point the Germans took five consecutive short corners, three of which did not even result in an opportunity. I am surprised at the apparent lack of speed on this German team. Slow and methodical will not work against the quicker teams.
Brazil was a little less of a disappointment given the strong opponent and the willingness of the referee to allow a very physical game.
Looks like there will be several meaningful 3rd games this year.
Despite a considerable size advantage Germany rarely resorted to playing the ball into the box and trying for a header until the very end. At one point the Germans took five consecutive short corners, three of which did not even result in an opportunity. I am surprised at the apparent lack of speed on this German team. Slow and methodical will not work against the quicker teams.
This is why I was arguing last week that is was a mistake to leave off Sane. Great speed, pace, and engine.
...and the wrong tactic. IMO, Draxler should sit and be replaced by Reus or Brandt. Kedhira and Oezil need to step up or sit. And Kimmich needs to stay back. He was nowhere to be seen on defense.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
...and the wrong tactic. IMO, Draxler should sit and be replaced by Reus or Brandt. Kedhira and Oezil need to step up or sit. And Kimmich needs to stay back. He was nowhere to be seen on defense.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
Tony, when I saw Kheidira is the lineup, I knew there was going to be trouble. Guy can't cover that range anymore. Kimmich must've thought he was Roberto Carlos.
...and the wrong tactic. IMO, Draxler should sit and be replaced by Reus or Brandt. Kedhira and Oezil need to step up or sit. And Kimmich needs to stay back. He was nowhere to be seen on defense.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
What about Muller? He was largely absent on the attack. Which really shouldn't be a surprise since he's struggled for the last two years with Bayern...
He's 28 currently and I remember him playing well for Munich in 2016/17. He has notably deteriorated since then, and was a non-presence yesterday.
I actually thought Mexico made repeated mistakes on counterattacks. You put Barcelona out there and I think Germany would have lost 6-0.
I agree. It was reminiscent of Spain-Netherlands in 2014. The difference was that the Dutch finished clinically. But the vast open spaces, the players out of position (what the hell was Kimmich doing?), and key players going half speed...the alarm bells should be ringing for Germany. Sweden is well organized and no pushover. Germany is in danger even if they beat Sweden:
Mexico beats South Korea
Germany beats Sweden
That would leave the group at:
Mexico 6
Germany 3
Sweden 3
South Korea 0
That leaves both Sweden and Germany playing for goal difference.
If Sweden can hold Germany to a draw, then Germany will be relying on a Mexico B team beating a desperate Sweden:
Mexico 6
Sweden 4
Germany 1
South Korea 0
Germany - Sweden looks perhaps like the match of Round 2.
Best leagues... Hence best results
Finally they finish....
Fascinating game as each team's very different strengths come to the fore in waves, biggest difference so far as I see it is that Germany's superior size and strength in the back has been snuffing most of Mexico's runs and combinations in the PA.
Kroos tried to physically intimidate the ref, who used both hands to gently put distance between their bodies, not a good look, and the ref will regret letting so much go.
Hummels should have clearly been given a caution for a late, cynical tackle, and arguably a second. Neuer showing no ill effects from long layoff.
Finally they finish....
Fascinating game as each team's very different strengths come to the fore in waves, biggest difference so far as I see it is that Germany's superior size and strength in the back has been snuffing most of Mexico's runs and combinations in the PA.
Kroos tried to physically intimidate the ref, who used both hands to gently put distance between their bodies, not a good look, and the ref will regret letting so much go.
Hummels should have clearly been given a caution for a late, cynical tackle, and arguably a second. Neuer showing no ill effects from long layoff.
I think the ref is calling good game. No real vicious physicality. Couple tough plays, some contact but it seems well controlled.
Mexico is allowing way too much space to Muller, Draxler, and Werner in its defending end, they have to close up--Germany won't beat them with speed or quickness, but by superior physicality. Mexico had four or five excellent opportunities but misfired on errant crosses or poorly weighted through balls.
Excellent match
Anyway, Mexico is outplaying Germany. Very surprising.
Exactly and they looked good doing so. Can't believe they played 45 minutes of defense and held on.
I don't know how much Chicharito has left, his form is not what it once was although he assisted Lozano's goal and Hummels leaned on him heavily on his solo run. Mexico can run, nice combinations, and can counter but its side is smallish and you wonder how well they can stand up to the long WC grind. So many failures to finish, more their own errors than stellar defensive play by Germany.
Brazil was a little less of a disappointment given the strong opponent and the willingness of the referee to allow a very physical game.
Looks like there will be several meaningful 3rd games this year.
This is why I was arguing last week that is was a mistake to leave off Sane. Great speed, pace, and engine.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
Tony, when I saw Kheidira is the lineup, I knew there was going to be trouble. Guy can't cover that range anymore. Kimmich must've thought he was Roberto Carlos.
Mexico played well. And Germany made it far too easy for them to run their counter attacks.
What about Muller? He was largely absent on the attack. Which really shouldn't be a surprise since he's struggled for the last two years with Bayern...
I actually thought Mexico made repeated mistakes on counterattacks. You put Barcelona out there and I think Germany would have lost 6-0.
I actually thought Mexico made repeated mistakes on counterattacks. You put Barcelona out there and I think Germany would have lost 6-0.
I agree. It was reminiscent of Spain-Netherlands in 2014. The difference was that the Dutch finished clinically. But the vast open spaces, the players out of position (what the hell was Kimmich doing?), and key players going half speed...the alarm bells should be ringing for Germany. Sweden is well organized and no pushover. Germany is in danger even if they beat Sweden:
Mexico beats South Korea
Germany beats Sweden
That would leave the group at:
Mexico 6
Germany 3
Sweden 3
South Korea 0
That leaves both Sweden and Germany playing for goal difference.
If Sweden can hold Germany to a draw, then Germany will be relying on a Mexico B team beating a desperate Sweden:
Mexico 6
Sweden 4
Germany 1
South Korea 0
Germany - Sweden looks perhaps like the match of Round 2.
I think Germany is in trouble.
I actually thought Mexico made repeated mistakes on counterattacks. You put Barcelona out there and I think Germany would have lost 6-0.
It's actually three years back - 15/16 - for Muller. He scored 32 goals that year. Since then it's been 15 and 9.
Maybe the loss of Lahm is more significant than anticipated...?