Germany vs Mexico as it happened World Cup 2018: Goal updates and analysis as Hirving Lozano stuns world champions

Follow all the latest news from the first Group F match in Russia

2018 Russia World Cup in numbers

Germany begins their campaign to defend their World Cup title with a pretty tough starting match against Mexico in Moscow.

After dominating the group stages since 1994, the Germans have a lot to prove after suffering a bad year of results.

Mexico might see this as an opportunity to strike while the iron is hot but you can expect Germany, with Timo Werner, Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos listed on the squad, to make a good run.

Live Updates

What time is kick-off?

Germany vs Mexico kicks off at 4pm BST.

Where can I watch it?

The game will be shown on ITV.

Odds

Germany: 4/9

Mexico: 6/1

Draw: 7/2

Prediction

Germany 2-1 Mexico.

But who do you think will win? Let us know by voting above.

Key Points

• Follow coverage of the first game of Group F in Russia 
• Game kicks-off in Moscow at 16:00

[17 June 2018 15:08 · Molly Hudson]

Hello and welcome to the Independent's coverage of Germany vs Mexico. Stay with us for team news, analysis and minute-by-minute updates of the 4pm kick off.

[17 June 2018 15:13 · Molly Hudson]

Here are your teams for this afternoons Group F opener

[17 June 2018 15:25 · Molly Hudson]

Germany will obviously go into this one as favourites - with incredible squad depth, and star quality littered through their team they'll also be one of the favourites for the tournament as a whole.

But Mexico do have threats of their own from the likes of Javier Hernandez and PSV Eindhoven's exciting winger Hirving Lozano. Their main problem will be keeping the attacking midfield of Germany quiet, and they'll be hoping Mesut Ozil has a quiet game

[17 June 2018 15:38 · Molly Hudson]

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is remembered for a stunning save against Neymar in Brazil, and will need to be on top form again in this one, if Mexico are to get anything from the game.

But it's not all doom and gloom for Mexico, as despite Germany's incredible pedigree and experience on the world stage, they've been in questionable form coming into the World Cup in friendlies, and have lost the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Phillip Lahm and the experience they provided in Brazil.

[17 June 2018 15:49 · Molly Hudson]

Javier Hernandez has so often been the impact sub and hasn't had the best season with West Ham United. But his international record of 49 goals in 102 appearances makes him one of the stars of this Mexico team.

Often Mexico have made it out of the group stages, but faltered and for them to go one better this year, Hernandez will hope to get off the mark early with tricky looking games against South Korea and Sweden to come. His pace and intelligence on the shoulder of defenders could provide Germany with some problems.

[17 June 2018 15:52 · Molly Hudson]

Leroy Sane has been one of the brightest stars in England this season. He missed out on the squad entirely, and that more than anything displays the strength in depth of this side. He wishes his country the best of luck against the Mexicans, and will surely be watching on with interest. 

[17 June 2018 15:54 · Molly Hudson]

The teams are out and the anthems underway, less than 10 minutes from kick off in the second game of the day, and the first game of Group F

[17 June 2018 16:00 · Molly Hudson]

KICK OFF: Mexico get us underway against the holders Germany

[17 June 2018 16:02 · Molly Hudson]

1 min: We have a game on our hands! Mexico with some crisp passing, and Lozano's effort is blocked and out for a corner that comes to nothing

Germany breathe again, Mexico have started with plenty of intensity

[17 June 2018 16:07 · Molly Hudson]

6 mins: Germany with the corner, taken short and Hummels has a shot that's comfortable for Ochoa