World Cup
Group F
Teams: Germany v Mexico
Date: 17 June 2018
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium
Click through the gallery to see Germany's line-up in images!
Germany will be looking to start the defence of their World Cup title with a win when they lock horns with Mexico in their opening 2018 FIFA World Cup, Group F match at Luzhniki Stadium on Sunday.
The match is scheduled to get underway at 17h00.
Germany come into the tournament off the back of an uncharacteristically poor stretch of results: prior to an unconvincing 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in their last international friendly, the 'Mannschaft' had gone five matches without a win.
This may been disconcerting for coach Joachim Low, but not overly so. Germany are renowned for upping their game at major tournaments and have made at least the semifinals for the last four World Cups in a row.
The defending World Cup champions have also clinched three European Championships in 1972, 1980 and 1996. They also won one Confederations Cup in 2017.
Thomas Muller, who has netted 38 goals in 91 matches for Die Mannschaft, is a key player. The Bayern Munich forward will be hoping to inspire his nation to victory against Mexico.
Mexico have had mixed results in their build-up to Russia 2018, drawing with Wales, beating Scotland and losing to Denmark.
Coach Juan Carlos Osorio's side have huge experience (three of their 23 players boast over 100 caps and a further 10 have more than 50 caps) but there's a feeling that this side lacks some energy and hunger.
Their star player is Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, who plies his trade in England for West Ham United. The experienced striker will be keen to play an important role in helping his nation win against Germany.
Germany and Mexico have met in 11 previous matches according to FIFA statistics. The 'Mannschaft' have claimed five wins compared to just one for 'El Tri'. The teams last met in last year's Confederations Cup, where Germany claimed an emphatic 4-1 win.
Here is how they line up.
Germany: Neuer, Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Plattenhardt, Khedira, Kroos, Müller, Özil, Draxler, Werner. Mexico: Ochoa, Salcedo, Ayala, Moreno, Gallardo, Herrera, Guardado, Layún, Vela, Chicharito, Lozano. SCORE UPDATE: Mexico lead Germany 1-0 at half-time, thanks to a brilliant goal by Hirving Lozano.
