Mexico's shocking upset win over Germany puts them in position to break a curse that has haunted them for 32 years
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
- Mexico defeated Germany 1-0 in one of the wildest results of the opening weekend of the 2018 World Cup.
- With the win, Mexico takes pole position to win Group F, which should help to set the team up with a favorable matchup in the knockout stage.
- The difference between winning the group and escaping it in second place is enormous, as it could mean that the team avoids Brazil in the round of 16 and provides a path to make the quarterfinal for the first time since 1986.
The 2018 World Cup has already had its fair share of shocking results, with Cristiano Ronaldo playing hero for Portugal and Iceland forcing a hard-fought draw against Lionel Messi and Argentina .
But the most impressive result so far is likely Mexico's upset 1-0 win over defending World Cup champions Germany on Sunday. Mexico earned the three points despite holding just 39% possession thanks to a stifling defensive effort, and aggressive counter-attack, and a brilliant performance from goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.
In the 35th minute, one counter attack broke through, with Chicarito sending a through ball to teammate Chucky Lozano to give Mexico a 1-0 lead that would hold for the match.
The win was huge for Mexico, not just for its historical context — it's the first time any CONCACAF squad has defeated the Germans at the World Cup — but also for Mexico's chances of breaking one of the most brutal streaks in the tournament.
Article is LOCKED by author/seeder
Who is online
78 visitors
Pundits have suggested that this German newspaper may have provided Mexico's team with some motivation.
"Sorry Mexico, today, we build the wall"!
Oh the irony.....
I got an earful last Sunday about this game. Mexico, Peru, and Columbia being represented by women in my extending family. Unfortunately I don't speak that much Spanish, especially Spanish at that blistering speed. Still, it was pretty awesome watching the highly animated discussion taking place between themselves. Without understanding a word being said, yelled, I could tell that there was a way different kind of sports fervor going on. It was very entertaining.
ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — Russia scored three goals in a 15-minute span early in the second half to set up a 3-1 win over Egypt on Tuesday, moving the host nation to the brink of the World Cup's knockout stage.
Mohamed Salah won and converted a penalty for a consolation goal on his return from injury but Egypt's first World Cup in 28 years could be over in barely five days following a second straight loss.
Ahmed Fathi poked the ball into his own net — the fifth own-goal of the tournament — to put Russia ahead in the 47th minute. Then Denis Cheryshev and Artyom Dzyuba scored in quick succession to leave Russia on course for a victory that followed up a 5-0 opening-night win over Saudi Arabia.
It was Cheryshev's third goal of the World Cup, putting him tied with Cristiano Ronaldo at the top of the scoring chart.
Russia's place in the round of 16 will be assured if Uruguay wins or draws against the Saudis on Wednesday. Those two scenarios would also eliminate Egypt, which started with a 1-0 loss to Uruguay.
The hopes of 100 million Egyptians were raised when Salah was selected in the starting lineup, the Liverpool forward making his comeback after 3 1/2 weeks out with damaged ligaments in his left shoulder after a tangle with Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final.
Meanwhile, England sat and rested many of it's best players when they played Belgium ( which sat it 2 best defenders because of yellow cards )
Belgium won 1 - 0 yesterday afternoon ( it was on Fox )
Both teams advanced to the knockout round.
Mexico eliminated today for the 7th time after reaching the knockout rounds sinnce it was introduced in 1986.
Mexico nil, Brazil 2
Brazil moves on to play Belgium on Friday
Just watched Japan and Belgium at the bar, what a game!
Two terrific games today.........
I deleted the results as to not ruin it for MUVA, lol
First Germany, then Argentina now Brazil.
Can't wait til 2morrow to see who rounds out the semi finals.
who can the favorites be now? England, France, Belgium Croatia?
Will it be an all European affair or can Russia be the Cinderella team?
I don't really follow soccer.
From friends who do, I understand this is an exceptionally well played tournament series to date.
Kudos to all who got there, who ever wins.
Enoch.