Low expects Germany to deliver big response

Germany boss Joachim Low is confident his side will bounce back against Group F rivals Sweden in Sochi tonight.

Low’s reigning champions suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game on Sunday and Low expects a big response from his players against Sweden, who beat South Korea 1-0.

“This week the players have shown a reaction in training, but tomorrow is what counts,” Low said.

“We have to see a reaction and a difference when it comes to performance on the pitch. I’m convinced they will show the right reaction.

“We have to deliver and if we win we’re back in the race. We’ll see how the tournament goes on after that.”

Low admitted defeat had been hard to swallow and that his side played without confidence against Mexico.

“It wasn’t the same team, there wasn’t that self-confidence that we’re used to,” he said.

Low confirmed defender Mats Hummels was a major doubt after twisting his neck during training, so Bayern Munich team-mate Niklas Sule could start.

Sweden’s preparations have been disrupted through illness and injury, but coach Janne Andersson is determined not to let a golden opportunity pass by after his side’s opening win.

Filip Helander, fellow defender Pontus Jansson and midfielder Marcus Rohden did not travel with the rest of the squad from Gelendzhik.

All three players have been kept apart from the main group after struggling with stomach upsets, but they are expected to team up with them in Sochi. Striker Isaac Kiese Thelin (ankle) is an injury doubt.

Mexico are ready for the challenge of meeting the expectations generated by their shock win over Germany, boss Juan Carlos Osorio has said.

Osorio, preparing his team to take on South Korea today, said: “This week we made sure that we all understand the responsibility – the responsibility is to play up to the high expectations that everybody has of Mexico now.

“I think that’s a great challenge for us and we are ready for it.”

South Korea boss Shin Tae-yong, who believes the higher temperatures in Rostov-On-Don will work in Mexico’s favour, admitted morale among his players had been “quite low” following the Sweden result but emphasised the “atmosphere has improved” and they were “fully prepared” for today’s game.