National team
Nagelsmann: Mexico has a different task – Hummels is thinking about 2018
Mats Hummels wants revenge for the 0-1 loss against Mexico in 2018. Photo
© Federico Gambarini/dpa
Julian Nagelsmann wants to take the good spirit of the opening win against the USA with him into the second friendly against Mexico. The team senior brings up unpleasant memories when faced with the opponent.
Moscow. Luzhniki Stadium. 17th of June. At that time, the opponent at the start of the World Cup was also Mexico. “The Mexicans are a good team, my last encounter didn’t go well for me personally or for us as a team. We want to have a successful test again,” said the 34-year-old, announcing a little revenge for the 0-1 defeat back then.
Of course, Hummels knows that football history cannot be revised. The opening shock for the then reigning world champions was just the beginning of a painful decline for the DFB team with three tournament disappointments in a row. From the starting eleven back then, only Hummels’ friend Thomas Müller (34) is still in the squad today. The Munich player could play his 125th international match against Mexico. Julian Brandt was substituted on by then national coach Joachim Löw in 2018 and hit the post late on.
Nagelsmann announced personnel changes
For Julian Nagelsmann, these are all stories from yesterday. The national coach now wants to continue the brisk start to his DFB era with a 3-1 win against the USA at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The 36-year-old knows that Mexico is to be considered stronger than the quick but harmless US boys. “They are a different team than the USA. They play a little quicker in depth, the movements are faster. It’s a different structure and a different game. But that’s good when we play against two different opponents,” said Nagelsmann .
More than 50,000 Mexican fans are expected in the 2026 World Cup arena in the soccer-loving metropolis of Pennsylvania. “I wasn’t aware that it would be a cauldron. But then I’m really looking forward to it. I love the atmosphere. Home games are great, but away from home it has a special touch,” said Hummels.
The national coach has announced personnel changes. How extensive they will be remains to be seen – especially when it comes to Hummels and his colleagues from Borussia Dortmund. Hummels, Niklas Süle, Niclas Füllkrug and Brandt have club duties to fulfill again next Friday against Werder Bremen. That’s why BVB picked them up from America on a private jet together with US boy Giovanni Reyna. “We will do what makes sense,” said DFB sports director Völler about possible personnel changes.