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Analyzing Mexico's incredible upset against Germany

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June 17th, 2018 will forever be a day to remember for Mexico. In the midst of uncertainty for the team and the #fireOsorio movement, Mexico pulled off one of the most surprising upsets of all time. Mexico did not seem like the underdogs, they came out fighting and confident. They weren't afraid to pressure Germany and they did not back down to Germany's relentless attack. Mexico played a perfect game. They gave Germany no errors to take advantage of, and played the most cohesive game of football this country has ever seen.

Ochoa was a physical wall once more. Their defense was perfect. Their midfield was strong. Chicharito and "Chucky" Lozano blitzed towards the goal every opportunity they got. Juan Carlos Osorio set out the perfect lineup and proved to be a coaching mastermind. It was the perfect game.

Mexico's goal against Germany was a perfect reflection of the entire game. Mexico won the ball back from Germany after a tackle in their own half. Chicharito led the counter attack in swift fashion, and found an opening for Lozano on the wing. Lozano faked, cut in, and scored  as he faced Manuel Neuer in front on him. In that moment, Mexico shaked. Mexico had plenty of chances to score a second or third goal. They just couldn't connect on through balls in the counterattack and lacked creativity in front of goal on several occasions.

When analyzing upsets in any sport, you have to ask yourself: 'did the favorite team lose the game? Or did the underdogs win the game?'

After watching the game the first time around, I thought that Mexico kinda got lucky. Germany couldn't make their shots, and Mexico got one lucky opportunity at goal, and scored. After watching the game a second time around, it was clear that they deserved to win. Germany didn't lose the game, Mexico came out and snatched the three points right out of their hands. Mexico ran, fought, and pushed their way to a victory. 

So what happened with Germany? I think they were just too confident in the beginning of the game. They put in half an effort and didn't look like their usual self. Maybe they were experiencing that championship hangover like all the champions do.
Should we worry? Not really, a team this talented and experienced like Germany will come back stronger than ever. Whatever distractions or issues off the field will be straightened out in the locker room, and they will return to their dominating style of football.  

In fact, Germany played a solid game today despite the slow start. They showed flashes of creativity in the final third and were a constant threat in the attack. Unfortunately, they did not finish their shots on goal. Mexico came away with 3 points, and the entire country is in celebration as we speak.

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 18, 2018 at 9:25 AM

    The score at the end of the game could've been even more in Mexico's favor. Due to their many chances on goal and their many counter attacks that proved useful, but many chances wasted. Their goalie should be the one to thank, because of him their defense was even more solid. At the end of the game though when Germany was on attack, they did show their superior power and ability, and I think there's still more to come from them.

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