FIFA World Cup 2018, Germany vs Mexico, live score: Lozano scores, MEX lead against GER

Defending champions Germany look to start their FIFA World Cup 2018 campaign with a win when they take on Mexico in a Group F encounter at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday. Germany breezed through qualifying scoring 43 goals and conceding just four and, astonishingly, average almost four goals a game in their opening World Cup matches since last losing their first tournament game in 1982 against Algeria.Mexico have lost only one game in qualifying and have always qualified for at least the second round of every World Cup they have played. They have not beaten Germany though in three attempts at various World cups. Follow live score of Germany vs Mexico, FIFA World Cup 2018 here.

21:20 hrs IST: Hirving Lozano finished off a sweeping move to smash the ball in after 34 minutes and release an explosion of noise in Luzhniki Stadium. Germany trailed only once in the last World Cup, 2-1 to Ghana, and has outscored opponents 20-2 in its past four World Cup openers.

21:17 hrs IST: It’s half-time in Moscow and Mexico are leading 1-0 against defending champions Germany!

21:12 hrs IST: Toni Kroos came close to equalising but his shot hit the post and was cleared by the defenders. THis has been a below par show by the German footballers and they need to improve their game if the y want to win this match. Germany 0-1 Mexico.

21:08 hrs IST: A measured pass from Javier Hernandez and Hirving Lozano took his time to finish the move! A huge goal for Mexico and Germany are trailing in the first half. Germany 0-1 Mexico.

21:05 hrs IST: Mexico have taken the lead! Hirving Lozano is the goalscorer as Germany trail in Moscow!

21:00 hrs IST: This has been a poor show from Germany. The passing is far from effective and the final ball is completely missing. Loew needs to change things fast. Germany 0-0 Mexico

20:55 hrs IST: These are tough times for the defending champions. Although the game is still goalless, Mexico have come close to scoring a couple of times and Germany need to seal their defence quickly. Germany 0-0 Mexico

20:50 hrs IST: 20 minutes gone in the game and Mexico have been the better team on the attack. Both teams are opting for a 4-2-3-1 formation, but Mexico have attacked well till now. 

20:44 hrs IST: Germany are living dangerously right now. Another good opportunity for Mexico but Neuer was up to the task. Germany 0-0 Mexico after 15 minutes of play.

20:40 hrs IST: Early tests for Manuel Neuer as he makes two simple saves. Germany are dependent on their wing play for most of the attacks and Mexico caught them out on counters. Germany 0-0 Mexico.

20:36 hrs IST: Both teams are pressing hard and with one attack each, both Mexico and Germany have made their intentions clear within minutes of the start. Germany 0-0 Mexico.

20:34 hrs IST: Chance at the other side! Timo Werner did have space but his shot was well wide of the target. Germany 0-0 Mexico.

20:32 hrs IST: Early attack by Mexico, but Jerome Boateng produced a good block to stop the attack. The resultant corner was also unable to produce anything for Mexico. Germany 0-0 Mexico.

20:30 hrs IST: We are underway! Germany will be looking for an early goal to put pressure on their opponents.

20:26 hrs IST: National anthem time! The two teams are out in the middle and we are just minutes away from the kick-off.

20:22 hrs IST: Manuel Neuer starts in goal despite missing most of the club season with a foot fracture. This will be a big test for the Bayern Munich goalkeeper who will be looking to bounce back quickly.

20:15 hrs IST: An interesting choice by coach Joachin Loew as he has opted for Mesut Ozil over Marco Reus. Ozil was reportedly injured but Loew is going to play the Arsenal playmaker.

20:08 hrs IST: The 2014 World Cup winners defeated Mexico 4-1 on the way to lifting last year’s Confederations Cup trophy.

20:04 hrs IST: Mexico’s XI includes former Bayer Leverkusen striker Javier Hernandez, who will be supported in attack by Hirving Lozano and Carlos Vela.

19:58 hrs IST: Now, a look at the defending champions’ starting XI - Neuer; Kimmich, Boateng, Hummels, Plattenhardt; Khedira, Kroos; Muller, Draxler, Ozil; Werner.

19:56 hrs IST: A look at the Mexico XI - Ochoa; Salcedo, Ayala, Moreno, Gallardo; Layun, Herrera, Guardado; Vela, Chicharito, Lozano.

19:53 hrs IST: Mesut Ozil will start Germany’s World Cup Group F opener against Mexico on Sunday, after coach Joachim Loew opted for the experienced midfielder instead of speedy Marco Reus.

19:48 hrs IST: Hello and welcome to the FIFA World Cup 2018 encounter between Germany and Mexico!

Germany are attempting to become only the third side in the World Cup’s history to successfully defend their title, after Italy (1934-1938) and Brazil (1958-1962).

Mexico topped a group including Uruguay, Italy and England last time to reach the quarter-finals, and this time are in Brazil’s group.Their pedigree may be good but their form is not and they have lost to Belgium and England in the run-up to Russia.