The 2017 Confederations Cup in Russia is truly reaching its boiling point with the semi-finals under way. The second semi-final match features defending World Cup champions Germany set to face South American giants Mexico in what can only be predicted as a thrilling match.
Many eyebrows have been raised over Germany manager Joachim Low’s decision to field a very youthful side to play in the Confederations Cup this year. Indeed, Die Mannschaft’s current crop of players has an average age of just 24.5 years.
And yet, the squad already boasts some top-calibre stars, with the likes of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen from Barcelona, sturdy Borussia Dortmund centre-back Matthias Ginter, highly-rated Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich, and RB Leipzig’s prolific goal-poacher Timo Werner.
Still, some see the youthfulness of the side as a possible disadvantage in the long run, something centre-back Jonas Hector is quick to dismiss, saying, “If you look at how we approached the games, you certainly cannot say that we have been naive! Most of our players have plenty of experience at club level already.”
Such confidence is backed by results on the pitch, with the Germans yet to lose in the competition, winning twice and drawing once.
Despite the grim prospect of facing such an in-form lethal opponent, Mexico are unfazed and are eager to embrace the challenge, with Los Tri striker Javier Hernandez, who has experience in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, excited by the prospect.
“We know some of their qualities, some of the ways we can make them suffer,” Chicharito said in the pre-match press conference.
“But also we have to focus on our own ways and our system. We want to do our best to try to stop them, make a lot of danger and win the match,” the former Manchester United striker added.
With both sides capable of creating multiple chances and lethal in attack, the two sides’ semi-final match will prove to be a pace-filled spectacle.
The Germany v Mexico Confederations Cup semi-final match is set for kick-off on Thursday, 07:00pm England time.