World Cup 2018: ‘Humiliating’ and ‘under pressure’ - how German media reacted to shock Mexico defeat

Hirving Lozano's goal consigned the reigning champions to their second ever defeat in an opening World Cup game.

Germany face a fight to “survive” at the World Cup after suffering a “humiliating” 1-0 defeat against Mexico in their opening Group F match, according to German media.

Hirving Lozano scored the only goal of the game as Mexico consigned the reigning champions to their second ever defeat in an opening World Cup game.

The English media are often said to be overly harsh on the Three Lions at international tournaments, but German newspapers are making it clear Sunday’s defeat in Moscow was “chaos.”

“Defensive chaos at the world champions,” was in large writing across Germany’s most popular newspaper Bild in the sports section, adding: “Now it is all about survival at the World Cup.”

“Germany have lost their way,” wrote Berling’s Morgenpost, as other titles aimed their sights on Joachim Löw, with the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper saying, “Löw does not want to change his plan. Now Germany is under pressure.”

“We will draw out lessons from this defeat and will do it better next time,” the German manager said following the defeat. “We will certainly not throw our plans overboard. It is an unusual situation for us but one we must accept.”

German media say Germany have lost their way as old ways are questions (Getty Images)

Criticism of his decision to not include PFA Young Player of the Year and Premier League title winner with Manchester City Leroy Sane was rife as Löw’s old methods were scrutinised.

“Past good practices don’t work anymore,” wrote the Sueddeutsche Zeitung. “He cannot go on as he has done in the last 12 years.”

“The humiliation was homemade. Löw must now change direction,” added Die Welt as Germany begin preparations to face Sweden on June 23 ahead of playing South Korea in their final group game four days later.

Germany were among the favourites to win the tournament and have reached at least the semi-final at every World Cup since 2002 but got off to the worst possible start in Group F.

Lowe has been the top man at Germany since 2006 and recently signed a contract extension that keeps him manager until 2022.