World Cup warm up: Unconvincing Germany crave repeat of 2014 World Cup opener

Germany are aiming to become just the third nation to successful defend the World Cup and first since Brazil in 1962. The jury remains out as to whether Joachim Low’s side have improved since their last conquest, but they are still among the pre-tournament favourites in Russia this summer.

Die Mannschaft kicked off their 2014 World Cup campaign with an emphatic 4-0 win over Euro 2016 winners Portugal and Low will hope his side can silence some of Germany’s doubters with a similarly impressive win when they play Mexico on Sunday.

Germany qualified for the 2018 World Cup from a favourable group with a 100 per cent record, but their recent form hasn’t been as convincing. Low’s side rounded off their preparations with a far-from impressive 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia, who were thumped 5-0 by hosts Russia in the World Cup’s opening game.

Low would have at least been happy to end a winless streak of five games - their worst run since 1931 - off the eve of the tournament. However, you sense much of that is meaningless as Germany usually turn on the heat when it matters most.

In fact, since the turn of the millennium, Germany’s worse finish at a World Cup finals is a staggering 3rd. With captain Manuel Neuer back and ready to go, you sense Germany’s chances of maintaining that record will continue this summer.

Team news and odds in our match preview

Low made the controversial decision to leave Leroy Sane out of his 23-man squad for the World Cup despite the fact the Manchester City star finished last season as the highest rated German in Europe’s top five leagues (7.54 rating).

While Germany will be without arguably their only genuine winger, Mexico will hope they have their own star quality on the flanks to cause the reigning world champions some problems this weekend.

22-year-old Hirving Lozano has been heavily linked with a Premier League move over the last 12 months and will hope to make a name for himself in Russia this summer after enjoying a sublime season for Dutch giants PSV.

Lozano played a direct hand in 25 goals in 29 league appearances from PSV and most of those goal involvements came from wide areas. The Mexico international finished last season with a hugely impressive WhoScored rating of 7.90 but will have to keep his discipline on the biggest stage, having been sent off twice in the league last term

Given what we know about Germany at World Cup finals, it's hard to look beyond a win for the reigning champions even if they have flattered to decieve of late.

Writer Predictions:

Martin Laurence - Germany 3-1 Mexico

Ben McAleer - Germany 3-2 Mexico

Josh Wright - Germany 1-0 Mexico