Germany lose World Cup opener against Mexico

Germany lost the opening game in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1982. There was a self-critical reaction after the final whistle. Germany coach Joachim Löw said: "We are obviously disappointed that we lost. It's an unfamiliar situation for us. We didn't play well in the first half and allowed too many counter-attacks. It was better in the second half but we didn't produce the passing game we're known for. We weren't clinical and decisive enough in finishing, too half-hearted going forwards and we gave away the ball too often. We need to show a response in the next game."

Toni Kroos came to the following conclusion. "In the first half we didn't find a way of getting round the Mexicans who were well organised. We did better in the second half and we had the chance to equalise." Mats Hummels said: "We played like we did against Saudi Arabia but against a better team. Mexico deserved to win, partly because we made it too easy for them."

The match winner for Mexico, with two former Bayer 04 players in the starting eleven in Andrès Guardado and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, was Lozano who netted the decider on 35 minutes after good work by Chicharito. Kroos almost equalised on 39 minutes when he hit the bar from a free kick. 'El Tri' also had good opportunities to extend their lead.

Julian Brandt came on in the closing stages to make his seventeenth international appearance and he was unlucky with a volley from distance as his effort hit the outside of the post. "Of course, we're under pressure and we have to try and get six points from the last two games," said Kroos. Germany's next opponents on Saturday (20.00 CET) are Sweden in Sotchi.

In contrast, Tin Jedvaj got off to a winning start with Croatia. The Werkself defender remained on the bench in the 2-0 victory for Croatia against Nigeria.