(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Rizwan Rehmat / The Peninsula
Sochi: History maybe against Mexico but opponents Germany - the reigning world champions - are wise enough to know that a football game cannot be taken lightly, especially if it is a knockout fixture of a top event.
Mexico, seeking their first win over Germany since 1985, take on Joachim Loew's ‘inexperienced' side in the second semi-final of the Confederations Cup at Fisht Stadium in Sochi today.
The last time the two sides met was at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Germany in 2005 - exactly 12 years ago.
Today, Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio and his side will be hoping to end the long misery of a winless streak.
German central defender Shkodran Mustafi, however, is keen to extend that streak to one more game as the world champions seek to reach the Confederations Cup final.
'The composition of our side maybe a little young and we are not as experienced as the Mexicans but we are hungry for win. This is an important event for us, Mustafi said yesterday.
Mustafi said Germany team remained relaxed ahead of the knockout clash in Sochi.
'We rested a little sunbathing on the beach (but) we are playing a tough event and we are not on vacation. And very soon will be playing our hardest match in Russia, Mustafi said after a training session.
'Yesterday we had a day off. We remained in Sochi. We had the opportunity to recharge the batteries, he added.
'I think we were originally among the favourites to lift the title, Mustafi said.
'But in the group stage matches, the young players proved we are strong even without our top players. All the guys who are now in the team have shown themselves to be fighters, he said.
The Arsenal star said Germany was captained by a sharp mind in Julian Draxler.
'Yes, Julian is the leader. He's not the loudest on the field, but his game is solid. Draxler is always full of passion and desire, plus he's experienced and he gives a lot of advice, Mustafi said.
Despite the soaring confidence in the Germany camp, coach Loew will be aware of the fact that Mexico midfield has gone unchallenged in their three matches at the Confederations Cup where both sides are unbeaten.
Osorio's side has produced slick one-twos thanks largely to threatening runs of midfielders Jonathan Dos Santos, Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado. Mexico, however, will need an extra effort to replace captain Guardado, who is suspended for today's game.
Mexico would also know their players have been together for a lot longer than Loew's wards who have been playing as a team for only a few weeks.
Having said that, Loew was over the moon to see the inspiring run of Timo Werner, the Leipzig forward who scored two goals against Cameroon four days ago.
'He made an unbelievable number of runs but initially our attacks petered out a bit and we didn't create many clear chances, Loew said after the final whistle on Sunday.
'In the second half we had more opportunities and created more situations in their penalty area, Loew added.
'He showed how dangerous he is and that he's got a great nose for goals. Both of his efforts were very well taken. I'm really happy for him because he's worked incredibly hard and deserved both his goals.
Werner, only 21, lapped up the praise coming his way.
'I needed a little while to get going and I didn't take the two earlier chances as I wanted to, Werner said of his exploits on Sunday.
'My team-mates set me up superbly for both goals. Here we're learning about the processes that are normal at big tournaments like this.
Werner, who was the top German scorer in the Bundesliga last season with 21 goals, said relocating to Leipzig was the right move.
'Moving to Leipzig was definitely the right step, said Werner.
'The club and the team suit me, and I suit them. The physical side of things improves through the tactical side because in our system you constantly have to chase down the opposition. On top of that I've got a bit smarter.
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