World Cup recap: Day 4

Favorites Brazil and Germany stumble as Mexico pulls off shocker

Favorites Brazil and Germany stumble as Mexico pulls off shocker
Mexico celebrated a big win over Germany. Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images

Sunday was all about how Neymar would perform to follow up performances by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The PSG forward played in his first official match since leaving a Ligue 1 match due to injury back in February. The heavy hitter on the card was Germany, the defending World Champions, against Mexico.

Costa Rica 0-1 Serbia

Samara Arena, Samara

Attendance: 41,432

The early game on Sunday was between the 2014 World Cup darlings Costa Rica and Serbia. With Brazil and Switzerland also in Group E, every point would be crucial for all four nations. This match had the best start so far of the World Cup matches with both sides trading punches early. Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas was solid in goal, as expected, which allowed Costa Rica to be the better threat offensively. Ultimately, Los Ticos could not capitalize on any of their five goal-scoring opportunities and the match would be a scoreless draw at the half.

The moment of the match came in the second half when Serbia captain Aleksandar Kolarov scored a stunning free kick to give his side the lead in the 56th minute. Costa Rica would press forward but could never break through the Serbian defense as the match would end 1-nil.

Analysis: This one may prove to be a decider in Serbia advancing among the top two, especially considering what would go on to happen later in the day between Brazil and Switzerland. Costa Rica have it tough with Brazil next on their plate, and a loss there would likely mean elimination.

Notable stat: Sunday’s loss brought an end to Costa Rica’s five-match unbeaten run at the FIFA World Cup

Germany 0-1 Mexico

Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow

Attendance: 78,011

Mexico pulled the shocker of the tournament so far by delivering a loss to the defending champions Germany, who are still among the favorites to win this year’s tournament. An inspired Mexican attack was immediately on the attack and feeding off what had to be 40,000+ traveling Mexico fans at the Luzhniki Stadium. Throughout the first half, Mexico were committed to attack through the left side of the field. El Tri provided danger off the counter, dispossessing the German machine, and finally made them pay in the 35th minute. It was 22-year-old forward Hirving Lozano who provide the game-winning goal that would give Mexico a historic win. Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos had a free kick opportunity in the 39th minute that Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa saved to keep the lead.

After a much needed breather at halftime, Mexico continued with a relentless defense and fast-paced attack on the counter. Germany did have their opportunities but would either hit them off target or with not enough firepower on the ball. The German substitutions were not able to make an impact, giving Mexico the top spot in the group.

Analysis: Mexico looked the side with more desire while Germany looked to have underestimated their opposition. The defending champions struggled to break down the Mexican defense and were not the cool, calm, collected “machine” that they normally are. After heavy media scrutiny during qualification, this was a huge win for Mexico’s Manager Juan Carlos Osorio. The Colombian-born manager has been criticized by pundits and fans for his tactical choices - mainly rotating the squad and not providing a consistent starting XI. Mexico have a good opportunity to win out the group and have an easier path in the knockout rounds - at least it looks that way - than in past World Cups.

Notable stat: Mexico’s Rafael Marquez became the fourth player to participate in his fifth FIFA World Cup (the most by any player), joining fellow Mexican Antonio Carbajal, Germany’s Lothar Matthaeus and Italy’s Gianluigi Buffon.

Brazil 1-1 Switzerland

Rostov Arena Rostov-On-Don

Attendance: 43,109

There’s a reason this match was placed last and it’s because of Brazil’s starpower. After Ronaldo and Messi had their turn, today was a day for Neymar to show what he had. The five-time champions were the most dangerous in the first half, with an Paulinho miss in the 11th minute being the best early chance for Brazil. His FC Barcelona teammate Philippe Coutinho would be the one to give Brazil the lead in the 20th minute with a wonderful curving strike from distance that adds to the list of great goals this World Cup. Brazil would have another great opportunity, off a corner, right before the half to take the lead. Teams would go to the dressing room 1-1.

Switzerland immediately came out in the second half with all intention to punch Brazil in the mouth, and did so. Five minutes in Steven Zuber scored off a corner to tie the score at one-all. Brazil would impatiently chase for the win for the rest of the match but to no avail. Switzerland were too compact defensively and wouldn’t allow Brazil any opportunities of quality. The Swiss also generated little on attack, outshot 15-4 in the second half, but did everything they needed to walk away with the point.

Analysis: This is a result that benefits Switzerland more than it does Brazil. The South Americans were expected to win and couldn’t find their way to the result. Switzerland can feel positive about having something to build on but will have to act against Serbia to move closer towards qualification to the knockout stage.

Notable stat: Valon Behrami became the first Switzerland player in history to appear at four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018).

Upcoming Matches (All Times CT):

Monday, June 18

7 a.m. - [Group F] Sweden vs. South Korea (FS1, Telemundo)

10 a.m. - [Group G] Belgium vs. Panama (FS1, Telemundo)

1 p.m. - [Group G] Tunisia vs. England (FS1, Telemundo)

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Is leadership the main problem for Houston? Composite Getty Image.

With the Astros now officially ten games under .500 for the season, manager Joe Espada is taking a lot of heat from the fanbase for the team's struggles.

While we don't agree with the sentiment, we even hear fans clamoring for the return of Dusty Baker and Martin Maldonado, thinking the Astros wouldn't be in this mess if they were still here.

Which is ridiculous. First of all, Maldonado has been awful for the White Sox, hitting .048 (even worse than Jose Abreu's .065). And for those of you that think his work with the pitching staff justifies his pathetic offense. Let me say this: Where was Maldy's game calling genius for Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, and Framber Valdez last year? All of them regressed significantly.

And as far as Baker is concerned, we have no idea how much a difference he would make, we can only speculate. Baker would also be dealing with a pitching staff ravaged with injuries. And let's not forget, Baker was the guy that refused to move Jose Abreu down in the batting order, even though he would finish the regular season with the ninth-worst OPS in baseball.

The reality of the situation is managers can only do so much in baseball. Which leads us to something else that needs to be considered. Is Espada being handcuffed by the front office? Espada and GM Dana Brown both said recently that Jon Singleton was going to get more at-bats while they give Abreu time off to try to figure things out. Yet, there Abreu was in the lineup again in the opening game of the Cubs series.

It makes us wonder how much power does Espada truly have? The Astros have some other options at first base. Yainer Diaz may only have eight games played at the position, but how much worse could he be than Abreu defensively? Abreu already has four errors, and Diaz is obviously a way better hitter. Victor Caratini isn't considered a plus offensive player, but his .276 batting average makes him look like Babe Ruth compared to Abreu. Let him catch more often and play Diaz at first. Starting Diaz at first more often could also lengthen his career long-term.

Maybe that's too wild of a move. Okay, fine. How about playing Mauricio Dubon at first base? I understand he doesn't have much experience at that position, but what's the downside of trying him there? If he can play shortstop, he can play first base. He's driving in runs at a higher rate (11 RBIs) than everyone on the team outside of Kyle Tucker and Yordan Alvarez. And he's producing like that as part-time player right now.

The other criticism we see of Espada is his use of Jon Singleton to pinch hit late in games. Let's be real, though, who else does Espada have on the roster to go to? Batting Abreu late in games in which you're trailing should be considered malpractice. Espada can only use who he has to work with. This all really stems from the Astros poor farm system.

They don't have anyone else to turn to. The draft picks the club lost from the sign-stealing scandal are really hurting them right now. First and second rounders from 2020 and 2021 should be helping you in 2024 at the big league level.

Maybe they go to Astros prospect Joey Loperfido soon, but after a hot start he has only two hits in his last six games.

Finally, we have to talk about what seems like a committee making baseball decisions. Lost in a committee is accountability. Who gets the blame for making poor decisions?

As time continues to pass it looks like moving on from former GM James Click was a massive mistake. He's the guy that didn't sign Abreu, but did trade Myles Straw (recently DFA'd) for Yainer Diaz and Phil Maton. He also built an elite bullpen without breaking the bank, and helped the club win a World Series in 2022.

The reality of the situation is Dusty Baker and James Click are not walking back through that door. And all good runs come to an end at some point. Is this what we're witnessing?

Don't miss the video above as we hit on all the points discussed and much more!

Catch Stone Cold 'Stros (an Astros podcast) with Charlie Pallilo, Brandon Strange, and Josh Jordan. We drop two episodes every week on SportsMapHouston's YouTube channel. You can also listen on Apple Podcast, Spotifyor wherever you get your podcasts.

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