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World Cup 2018: Mexico vs. Germany, preview and how to watch

By Daniel Garza

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 02: Giovani Dos Santos of Mexico celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the International Friendly match between Mexico v Scotland at Estadio Azteca on June 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - JUNE 02: Giovani Dos Santos of Mexico celebrates after scoring the first goal of his team during the International Friendly match between Mexico v Scotland at Estadio Azteca on June 2, 2018 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Mexico will face Germany in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup as they await their toughest test of the group stage.

The opening match of the World Cup will give Mexico an immediate test in their tournament journey. Germany awaits the CONCACAF nation in what could be a deciding match in whether or not Mexico even progresses out of Group F.

Germany are the reigning champions of the World and thus find themselves amongst the countries with the most pressure being put on them to reach the final. Their depth and talent have amassed perhaps the best roster on paper of the 32 teams vying for the title.

As a result of Germany’s technical and disciplined ability, Mexico will need to be at their best if they hope to at least earn a point from this match.

Who to watch from MLS?

Three Major League Soccer players are featured on Mexico’s squad which include Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos, and Jonathan dos Santos. It’s plausible that all three players could be in the starting XI. Vela is in great form at LAFC and the dos Santos brothers have performed well in the build-up matches to the World Cup.

A goal from Vela against Germany would be massive and the LAFC faithful would go mad at the sight of their star player scoring against the World’s best.

Dominate Germany

Having gone undefeated in UEFA World Cup qualifying, the Germans are a force to be reckoned with in group stages. They have only lost one match in the group stage since the 1994 World Cup.

There are plenty of star names on the German roster but the few that should have an impact on the match are Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller. A known goal poacher for Bayern Munich, Muller will give Mexico’s backline a real test on any set piece and from open play as well.

Kroos’ and the German midfield are among one of the elite units we’ve seen in the last decade on the international level. Mexico cannot afford to allow them to control the match for too long.

Mexico’s strikers will be tested by the likes of Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng. Vela will not likely have many opportunities that will come his way which means he will have to clinical with what is given.

Next: MLS Week 15 Power Rankings

How to Watch in the U.S.

When: Sunday, June 17th-11:00 AM EST

Where: Luzhniki Stadium-Moscow, Russia

How to Watch: FS1, Telemundo

Live Stream: Fox Sports Go

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