BHARGAB SARMAH
MOSCOW: Italy in 1938 and Brazil in 1962 remain the only two teams to have ever successfully defended their titles. As Germany start their title defence here on Sunday, the enormity of the task will not be lost on coach Joachim Loew.
Since their 2014 World Cup triumph in Brazil, some of Germany’s biggest foes have got considerably stronger over the course of the four years.
Acknowledging that in his prematch press conference on Saturday, Loew said: “All the top national teams are now four years ahead. France, for example, have taken many steps forward. Germany is not the only nation that has developed further. Rather, we need to question where we can do more.”
That is not to say that Germany haven’t improved themselves. Last year, Loew brought a young team, leaving out most of the seniors, to Russia and won the Confederations Cup.
It was a testament to the riches at Loew’s disposal and the German tactician will be quietly confident on the eve of the team’s Group F clash against Mexico.
The team’s preparations for the tournament though have been less than ideal. In 2018, Germany have won one, drawn two and lost one of their four friendlies. The only win being a 2-1 victory over minnows Saudi Arabia.
On the other hand, Ilkay Guendogan and Mesut Oezil found themselves embroiled in controversy ahead of the tournament after being involved in a photo-op Germany (4-2-3-1): Neuer; Kimmich, Hummels, Boetang, Hector; Khedira, Kroos; Muller, Reus, Draxler; Werner.
fourth World Cup encounter between Germany and Mexico. ‘Die Mannschaft’ are unbeaten, with two wins and one draw (0-0 in 1986 QF, followed by a 4-1 win on penalties).
won one of their 11 games against Germany (D5 L5), with the lone victory coming in 1985 in Mexico City.
their opening game in each of the last seven World Cups. Mexico are unbeaten in their last five World Cup opening games (W4 D1).
with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Both players were booed during their friendly loss to Austria. In their win over Drawn Mexico won Saudi Arabia, Guendogan was meted the same treatment and Oezil didn’t play.
Friendlies aside, Germany