Germany defeats Mexico, reaches Confederations Cup final for 1st time

Germany is one game away from adding the Confederations Cup to its trophy cabinet.

On Thursday, Germany beat Mexico 4-1 at Fisht Olympic Stadium to advance to the Confederations Cup's final for the first-ever time. The two national teams entered the match unbeaten, but Die Mannschaft's experimental collective was a level above El Tri's experienced squad, reminding supporters of the disparity between Europe and CONCACAF when it comes to international football. Just eight minutes were required for Leon Goretzka to score two goals, putting the green-shirted footballers in a hole from which they couldn't dig themselves out.

While the result suggests the game was a one-sided affair, Mexico produced an admirable performance and had its chances, manufacturing 26 shots before the final whistle. But a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping by Marc-Andre ter Stegen meant Die Mannschaft was never in any significant danger.

The absence of Diego Reyes and Carlos Salcedo in Mexico's defence did no favours for Juan Carlos Osorio, who didn't feel justice was served. "I think the result was unfair," the Colombian manager said, according to ESPN FC's Tom Marshall. "I do think the result is unfair. I think we deserved a better result. Our team kept fighting and moving forward, we really tried to keep our game plan, even if we didn't manage to score, but they had too many opportunities." The tactician also made it clear that Germany was the "fair" winner.

Germany is yet to lose to Mexico at a major tournament. Die Mannschaft can count five victories against El Tri, including a 2-1 win at the 1998 World Cup.