Germany looks to start campaign in right earnest

The Germans played a perfect qualification, winning all 10 games, conceding just four goals in the process, and also clinched the Confederations Cup last year. But its recent form is far from World Cup-winning quality. Coach Joachim Low’s team has managed just one win in its last six internationals — a lacklustre 2-1 win over lowly Saudi Arabia in the final warm-up game last week — and only kept one clean sheet.

Its preparations were also overshadowed by the outrage in Germany caused by photos of midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Mesut Ozil with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan. The two players of Turkish descent had to deal with whistles and jeers in recent matches and the affair has not subsided even after its arrival in Russia.

But given the Germans’ stellar tournament record with at least a semi-final spot in each of the last four World Cups, few would risk betting against them being ready on Sunday, especially after crushing Mexico 4-1 in last year’s Confederations Cup.

Mexico has had to deal with its own little scandal after eight players staged a late night party following a friendly against Scotland earlier this month, with the country’s football association throwing their support behind the players. The Central Americans, who have reached the last 16 at each of the last six World Cups, will need to be quick on the break if they are to catch their opponents off guard, as other teams have successfully done recently, including the Saudis.

Mexico’s top international scorer, Javier Hernandez, may not be an automatic starter these days but his speed will come in handy for Juan Carlos Osorio’s team. The Mexico coach has kept quiet about his strategies and in warm-up matches revealed very little on how he plans to stop the Germans. Mexico’s only win in 11 games against it dates back to 1985.