Mexico recorded the biggest upset so far in the 2018 World Cup as it defeated defending champion Germany, 1-0, in their Sunday's Group F clash at Luzhniki Stadium.
Hirving "Chucky" Lozano's goal in his World Cup debut in the 35th minute carried the Mexicans to the stunning victory, which shook the group stages at the prestigious tournament.
The celebration in Mexico City was so strong that it reportedly generated an earthquake in Lozano's place of birth. According to SIMMSA, a monitoring and analytic network, the earthquake was artificial in origin, with two sensors detecting tremors in Mexico City
Meaning, SIMMSA presumed it was caused by massive jumping after Lozano's goal at the World Cup. The win was Mexico's first against Germany at the FIFA World Cup and gave El Tri their fifth opening match win in the last six editions of the tournament.
After the game, Lozano says the win could be one of the biggest in Mexico's history. He also described the win as a great start, since El Tri defeated world champion Germany.
Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also played a key role in the win as he slapped Toni Kroos' attempt onto the crossbar, stopping a potential game-tying goal. The victory boosted Mexico to the top of Group F standings with three points.
Mexico Executed Game Plan To Perfection
Mexico striker Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez claims the key to their victory over Germany is the perfect execution of coach Juan Carlos Osorio's game plan. Hernandez said they were aware that Germany's style and success lies on the legs of Kroos, making him the No. 1 priority on defense for El Tri.
"The aim was to disrupt their flow," said Hernandez, adding that he had to stop defender Mats Hummels from playing his game. While Germany enjoyed 61 percent of possessions, Mexico's pressing defense allowed it to recover the ball 38 times, compared to the Germans' 31.
Germany Suffered Second Defeat In June
Germany, for its part, sustained its second defeat in June and its first group stage loss since 2010. Germany also lost the opening game of its title defense for the first time.
In their previous opening games as defending champion, the Germans defeated Argentina, 3-1, in 1958, forced a scoreless draw with Poland in 1978, and beat Bolivia, 1-0, in 1994.
Germany will try to regain its groove when it faces Sweden on June 23 in Sochi. Mexico will go for a second win against Korea Republic, also on June 23 at Rostov-on-Don.
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