MOSCOW — Defending World Cup champions have been finding it hard to get out of the group stage lately, and Germany is proving no exception.

The 2014 champions, ranked No. 1 in the world, were exposed defensively and surprisingly beaten by Mexico 1-0 on Sunday, putting its hopes of advancement in doubt.

Well, not everyone is in doubt.

"We will make it," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "There's no reason to fall apart because you lose one game."

Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from 10 yards.

The goal decided the match — a match Germany didn't expect to lose.

"I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "My teammates and I did some great work. We all ran our hearts out. This is the result of all that hard work."

Three of the previous four defending World Cup champions failed to reach the knockout stages, France, Italy and Spain. Two of them lost their opening matches while the Italians had to settle for a draw.

The Germans are bidding to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, but have now won only one of their last seven games in all competitions. They hadn't lost an opening game since the then-West Germany fell 2-1 to Algeria in 1982.

Mexico had never beaten Germany in a competitive match but was transformed from the team which lost to the Germans 4-1 in last year's Confederations Cup, conceding twice in the opening eight minutes.

Lozano, a 22-year-old forward nicknamed "Chucky," got Mexico going with a deflected shot over the bar in the first minute. That set the tone for Mexico to torment Germany on the counterattack, with Lozano taking full advantage of right back Joshua Kimmich's tendency to go forward.

"We were nervous and we weren't playing the game we wanted to play," Loew said. "We need to see what caused this."

After Lozano's goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score even, palming Toni Kroos' shot onto the crossbar.

With key players tiring in the second half, Mexico pulled back and substituted both Lozano and Carlos Vela. Germany then dominated but when it broke through the Mexican defence, the shooting was poor.

Seeking defensive reinforcement, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio brought on 39-year-old veteran Rafael Marquez to play in his fifth World Cup.

"You had the feeling that the ball just wouldn't go in anyhow," Loew said. "Everyone's very disappointed."

KEYS TO SUCCESS

Kimmich's charging runs far up the field can be a blessing and a curse for Germany.

Lozano reveled in the space left for him on Mexico's left flank and was a constant threat on the counterattack. Kimmich's absence meant Ozil was left trying to stop Lozano for Mexico's opening goal.

Germany registered 25 shots to Mexico's 12, but many were from long range and failed to seriously test Ochoa.

WHY CHUCKY?

Lozano's nickname comes from the haunted doll Chucky in the "Child's Play" franchise of horror movies.

He doesn't share the doll's red hair, but got the name as a young player at Mexican club Pachuca when he played pranks by hiding under teammates' beds.

DISCIPLINARY

Mexico could be facing punishment from FIFA after its fans chanted an anti-gay slur.

Fans in Mexico use the chant to insult opposing goalkeepers as they take a goal kick. Widely considered a slur, some argue there is no discriminatory intent.

GROUP DYNAMICS

Mexico still has to play South Korea and Sweden, which Osorio called "a tough nut to crack."

Germany needs points from matches against Sweden on Saturday and South Korea on June 27 to avoid elimination.

Neuer, who started his first competitive game since September, said Germany is aware that another loss would end its World Cup run.

"We're already in the knockout stages," Neuer said, "because we only have finals now."

___

More AP World Cup coverage: www.apnews.com/tag/WorldCup</s>Mexico stunned defending champions Germany in their opening game at the 2018 World Cup on Sunday, upsetting the powerhouse team.

Hirving Lozano's strike in the 35th minute was enough to secure the 1-0 win for Mexico, despite the Germans dominating possession and fighting desperately to get back into the match.

After Lozano's goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score level, palming Toni Kroos' shot onto the crossbar.

Mexico pulled back into a more defensive formation midway through the second half as key players tired and had to withstand heavy pressure from Germany.

In addition to the upset, more history was made when Rafa Marquez took the field as a second-half substitute for Mexico to become just the third man to play in five World Cups.

He played four matches in each World Cup as Mexico was eliminated in the round of 16 each time.

The team became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup. France in 2002 and Spain in 2014 were the other defending champions to lose their opening matches.

Mexico takes on South Korea in their next group stage match, while Germany will attempt to bounce back against Sweden on Saturday June 23.

Germany is bidding to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, and until Sunday hadn't lost an opening game since 1982.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.</s>Defending champions Germany went down in their opening match against Mexico 1-0 at the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia and that paved the way for a lot of reactions from across the world.

Hirving Lozano’s finish in the first half gave Mexico a flying start and the North Americans defended well in the second half to not concede a goal and deliver an upset. Both sides continued to pose threat in a thrilling match at Luzhniki Stadium. After Lozano’s goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off spectacular saves to keep Mexico in the lead till the end of the match.

Here are the best reactions to Germany crashing against Mexico in their opening match:

Germany registered 25 shots to Mexico’s 12, but many were from long range and failed to seriously test Ochoa.

For all the latest Fifa News, download Indian Express App</s>Our first big shock of the 2018 World Cup came Sunday when Mexico held on for a 1-0 win over defending champs Germany. Chucky Lozano’s 35th-minute handed Germany its first opening match loss in a World Cup since 1982. Here’s how the sports world reacted to the upset…

Well.. That was interesting. Didn’t think Germany could look that bad. #WorldCup

Shout out to these Mexico fans in Berlin, surrounded by Germany fans, going crazy with no fear 😂 pic.twitter.com/KNBYdo4lB1

FELICIDADES MEXICO!! 

I am NOT surprised! I predicted this!

I know how good @miseleccionmxEN is! 

DO NOT DOUBT ME OR MEXICO AGAIN!</s>Moscow: Toni Kroos and Mats Hummels slammed Germany's failings after the holders slipped to a shock 1-0 defeat against Mexico in their opening World Cup match on Sunday.

Germany lost their opening match at a World Cup finals for the first time since 1982 after Hirving Lozano scored the winning goal in Moscow.

The Germans were caught napping in the first half at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium and went behind in the 35th minute as Mexico found acres of space to counter attack through the midfield.

Centre-back Hummels said Germany had ignored the warnings from their shaky 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia in their final warm-up game.

"It's pretty simple: we played like we did against Saudi Arabia, but this time it was against a better opponent," fumed the Bayern Munich player, who was booked for a foul in the dying stages.

"We had already talked about things like giving the ball away and lack of cover. Unfortunately, we did not follow that through. That's why the first half looked the way it did.

"Mexico deserved to win and we made it too easy for them, even though we knew exactly how not to play against them."

Hummels described the defeat as a "wake-up call too late".

"Our cover wasn't good, too often it was just Jerome (Boateng) and I at the back.

"We have to win our next two games or that's the World Cup done with.

"The game against Saudi Arabia was actually a wake-up call.

"I don't quite understand we played the way we did today, because we had already had a shot across our bow (against Saudi Arabia)."

Kroos, who like Hummels was part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup, said Germany paid the price for failing to stem the waves of Mexican first-half attacks.

"We did not find any solutions to their game in the first half," the Real Madrid player told German broadcaster ZDF.

"They were clever and left room where they could afford to. In the second half we were better, Mexico got tired, but we did not score, although there were enough chances for at least one."

Kroos agreed with Hummels that Germany now must win their remaining Group F games against Sweden in Sochi next Saturday and against South Korea in Kazan on 27 June to be sure of progressing.

“We're under pressure now, no question, we have to get six points," he said.

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Click here to view the points table of FIFA World Cup 2018</s>MOSCOW — Germany became the third defending champion in the last 16 years to lose its opening match at the World Cup, falling to Mexico 1-0 Sunday.

Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez’s pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Manuel Neuer from 10 yards.

“I don’t know if it’s the biggest victory in (Mexico’s) history, but one of the biggest for sure,” Lozano said. “It’s great to start on the right foot when you are playing the world champions.”

France in 2002 and Spain in 2014 were the other defending champions to lose their opening matches. Neither of those teams advanced from the group stage.

After Lozano’s goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score even, palming Toni Kroos’ shot onto the crossbar.

The Germans are bidding to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962. They hadn’t lost an opening game since the then-West Germany succumbed 2-1 to Algeria in 1982.

Mexico supporters outnumbered Germany fans at the Luzhniki Stadium and made almost all of the noise, roaring their team forward.

Lozano, a 22-year-old forward from the Dutch league nicknamed “Chucky,” got Mexico going with a deflected shot over the bar in the first minute. That set the tone for Mexico to torment Germany on the counterattack, with Lozano taking full advantage of right back Joshua Kimmich’s tendency to go forward.

In his first competitive start since Sept. 16 because of injury, Neuer was kept busy saving a stinging long shot from Hector Herrera in the 10th, then a header shortly after a free kick.

Timo Werner could have scored when he picked up a ball near the penalty spot, but his shot went straight to Ochoa.

With key players tiring in the second half, Mexico pulled back and substituted both Lozano and Carlos Vela. Germany then dominated but when it broke through the Mexican defence, the shooting was poor.

Seeking defensive reinforcement, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio brought on 39-year-old veteran Rafael Marquez to play in his fifth World Cup.

Kimmich’s charging runs far up the field can be a blessing and a curse for Germany.

Lozano reveled in the space left for him on Mexico’s left flank and was a constant threat on the counterattack. Kimmich’s absence meant Ozil was left trying to stop Lozano for Mexico’s opening goal.

Germany registered 25 shots to Mexico’s 12, but many were from long range and failed to seriously test Ochoa.

Germany needs points from matches against Sweden on Saturday and South Korea on June 27 to avoid elimination.</s>Defending World Cup champions have been finding it hard to get out of the group stage lately, and Germany is proving no exception.

The 2014 champions, ranked No. 1 in the world, were exposed defensively and surprisingly beaten by Mexico 1-0 on Sunday, putting its hopes of advancement in doubt.

Well, not everyone is in doubt.

"We will make it," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "There's no reason to fall apart because you lose one game."

Hirving Lozano scored the lone goal in the 35th minute, picking up Javier Hernandez's pass inside the penalty area and beating Mesut Ozil before shooting past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from 10 yards.

The goal decided the match — a match Germany didn't expect to lose.

"I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "My teammates and I did some great work. We all ran our hearts out. This is the result of all that hard work."

Three of the previous four defending World Cup champions failed to reach the knockout stages, France, Italy and Spain. Two of them lost their opening matches while the Italians had to settle for a draw.

The Germans are bidding to become the first team to retain the World Cup title since Brazil in 1962, but have now won only one of their last seven games in all competitions. They hadn't lost an opening game since the then-West Germany fell 2-1 to Algeria in 1982.

Mexico had never beaten Germany in a competitive match but was transformed from the team which lost to the Germans 4-1 in last year's Confederations Cup, conceding twice in the opening eight minutes.

Lozano, a 22-year-old forward nicknamed "Chucky," got Mexico going with a deflected shot over the bar in the first minute. That set the tone for Mexico to torment Germany on the counterattack, with Lozano taking full advantage of right back Joshua Kimmich's tendency to go forward.

"We were nervous and we weren't playing the game we wanted to play," Loew said. "We need to see what caused this."

After Lozano's goal, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa pulled off a spectacular save to keep the score even, palming Toni Kroos' shot onto the crossbar.

With key players tiring in the second half, Mexico pulled back and substituted both Lozano and Carlos Vela. Germany then dominated but when it broke through the Mexican defense, the shooting was poor.

Seeking defensive reinforcement, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio brought on 39-year-old veteran Rafael Marquez to play in his fifth World Cup.

"You had the feeling that the ball just wouldn't go in anyhow," Loew said. "Everyone's very disappointed."

© Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.</s>The only goal of the game was scored by Mexico winger Hirving Lozano in the 35th minute. Following the match, Lozano was named the best player of the game.

"I don't know if it's the biggest victory in (Mexico's) history, but one of the biggest for sure," Lozano said. "It's great to start on the right foot when you are playing the world champions."

​Germany will next face Sweden, while Mexico will take on South Korea, with both games taking place on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Serbia beat Costa Rica 1-0 in the teams' opening match of the World Cup in Russia's Samara.

​The 2018 FIFA World Cup kicked off on Thursday and will continue through July 15, with a total of 64 matches set to be played at 12 stadiums across 11 Russian cities.</s>German newspaper Die Welt took a swipe at Mexico today in the name of World Cup soccer, publishing a somewhat inflammatory headline about what Germany would do to them on the pitch by alluding to US President Donald Trump’s plans for a barrier on the border.

By hinting at erecting a wall against Mexican soccer’s advance, perhaps the Die Welt editors forgot the not-so-small matter of the Berlin Wall and the pain it caused their own country. Maybe it was intended to fire up the German team.

The problem is, it may have fired up the wrong side from what the German editors intended.

In a titanic upset, Mexico secured a 1-0 victory over defending world champion Germany. Hirving Lozano’s first-half goal and some hard work on defense led to what may be the biggest win in Mexico soccer history and the first major upheaval of the 2018 World Cup. The Lozano goal prompted what Mexican authorities claimed was a minor earthquake in the Mexico City area, probably prompted by the entire city jumping into the air and landing at the same time.

Germany was a heavy favorite going into the match. The four-time world champion was expected to be a solid contender for its fifth overall victory, but couldn’t find a path to the win against the stalwart Mexican defense.

Perhaps a Mexican media outlet will find a humorous way to reward German hubris. After all, when Germany pulled off a huge upset at the Winter Olympics by defeating Canada 4-3 in the men’s ice hockey semi-finals, the Germans couldn’t resist a bit of gloating. Ironically, they may wind up doing better in hockey than soccer this year.

Germany can still advance in the tournament, but will have to score big victories in its upcoming matches against Sweden and South Korea. If it fails, it joins recent World Cup champions Spain (2014), Italy (2010) and France (2002) that failed to escape the group stage of the World Cup.</s>Moscow, Russia: Germany coach Joachim Loew said the defending World Cup champions played "very badly" in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Mexico, warning that the shock defeat left them with little margin for error in their remaining group games.

Germany's preparations ahead of the World Cup were plagued by poor results and controversy, and their problems were magnified in Moscow as they crashed to their first defeat in the opening game of a World Cup since 1982.

Hirving Lozano's 35th-minute strike at the Luzhniki Stadium earned Mexico just the second win over Germany in history, as Loew's side paid the price for a dismal first half.

"In the first half we played very badly," Loew said. "We weren't able to impose our usual way of playing, our attacking and passing was not effective."

"It's disappointing to have lost the first match," he added. "It's a situation we're not used to at all. In many previous tournaments we've always won the first match but we have to accept it."

Germany's proud record of never being eliminated in the group stage at a World Cup is already in danger.

And if they finish runners-up in Group F, Germany could be on course to face Brazil in a daunting second-round match-up.

Germany face Sweden in their next match on 23 June in Sochi before concluding their group campaign four days later in Kazan against South Korea.

"The team has experience dealing with losses. It goes without saying that the next match will be decisive for us, we have to win it," Loew said.

"We will not change our gameplan. If we play out our ideas then we have players who are able to deliver.

"We need to focus on our strong points, which we haven't been able to do in our last couple of games.

"We have three matches in the group phase and we have ample opportunities to correct this result."

Loew started eight of the nine 2014 World Cup winners in his squad, with Mesut Ozil returning from a knee injury and Manuel Neuer back in goal following his lengthy absence.

Jerome Boateng's build-up to the finals was also hampered by a groin injury, and the Bayern Munich centre-back found himself exposed often as Mexico's speed was a constant threat on the counter-attack.

After a remarkably open start, Mexico struck the decisive blow 10 minutes before half-time after Sami Khedira lost possession in the opposition half.

Javier Hernandez triggered a lightning break before finding a charging Lozano, who cut inside a covering Ozil and lashed low inside Neuer's near post to spark deafening roars from the sizeable Mexico support.

"I think it's definitely the best goal I've ever scored in my life, we all dream of playing in the World Cup," PSV Eindhoven forward Lozano said.

"I don't know if it's the biggest win in (Mexico's) history but doubtless it is one of the biggest for sure.

"It's great to start on the right foot when you're playing against the world champions."

Germany hit back, Toni Kroos rattling the crossbar with a 25-yard free-kick that needed the fingertips of a scrambling Ochoa to keep it out, but Mexico barely clung on to their advantage.

At 39, Rafael Marquez became just the third player to feature at five World Cups as he was brought for the final 15 minutes to fortify Mexico's defence.

A frenetic finale saw substitute Julian Brandt smack the outside of the post with a thunderous effort from 20 yards.

One desperate last attack then had Neuer come up for a corner before Mexico closed out an unforgettable triumph.

"I think it's a milestone for Mexican football," said Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio.

"We played with bravery when it was needed and defended with all our hearts, I think we need to give the credit where it's due and that's to the players."

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In an upset victory, Mexico beats Germany 1–0, handing them their first opening loss in a World Cup since 1982.