Mexico vs. Germany: Predictions and FIFA Ranking Impact for the 2018 World Cup
The upcoming 2018 World Cup presents an intriguing matchup between two formidable teams, Germany and Mexico. While Germany currently holds the number one position in the FIFA rankings, can Mexico manage to tie or even surpass Germany in this edition of the tournament? This article delves into the factors that may influence the FIFA rankings and their impact on these teams' performances.
Understanding FIFA Ranking and Its Relevance
The FIFA ranking takes into account every game played by national teams, including friendly matches. These rankings are crucial as they not only reflect a team's overall performance but also impact their seeding in tournaments and international competition opportunities.
Germany's Friendly Matches
Germany's most recent friendly matches offer some insight into their current form. They lost to Austria and only beat Saudi Arabia, indicating a fluctuating form. While the victory over Saudi Arabia is significant, the loss to Austria might have more far-reaching consequences for their ranking.
Mexico's Friendly Matches
Similarly, Mexico's friendly matches also show a mixed performance. They won one, drew another, and lost to Denmark. This inconsistent form may indicate room for improvement and unexpected upsets.
Vulnerability in FIFA Rankings
Despite Germany's strong standing, their ranking might be vulnerable. The loss to Austria and the potential drop in points from recent friendly matches could see them slip in the rankings. On the other hand, Mexico's improved performance in friendly matches might give them a slight advantage and boost their ranking.
Historical Performance and Mental Barrier
Mexico's recent history with Germany is not promising. During the 2017 Confederations Cup, Germany's B team soundly defeated Mexico. The psychological impact of this defeat looms large and could act as a hurdle for Mexico's performance in the 2018 World Cup. However, Mexico has a surplus of talent and a strong home crowd that could provide them with immense support.
Strategic Approach for Mexico
To overcome the Germany obstacle, Mexico needs to adopt a strategic approach. Focusing on preparation, fitness, and strength in key areas of the game will be critical. Utilizing their strengths, such as speed and tactical flexibility, could give them an edge over the Bundesliga giants. Additionally, overcoming the psychological barrier and displaying resilience could significantly impact the outcome.
Individual Performances
Key figures in the Mexican lineup, such as forward Hirving Lozano, could be pivotal in this matchup. His speed and technical ability make him a potential game changer. Defensively, the team's resilience and teamwork will be essential to neutralize Germany's attacking threats.
Conclusion
While Germany's ranking may give them an initial advantage, the landscape of the FIFA world rankings is dynamic. Mexico's recent performance in friendly matches gives them some hope of challenging Germany's dominance. However, the psychological factor and Germany's consistent form might pose significant challenges. As the 2018 World Cup unfolds, both teams will have to perform at their best to reach the pinnacle of success.
If Mexico can overcome the psychological hurdle and perform with their usual grit and determination, they could certainly qualify for a close match or even an upset win against Germany. The road will be tough, but the determined spirit of Mexican football is a formidable weapon in their arsenal.