Mexico's speed can trouble Germany – Sanchez
Mexico's speed is capable of giving Germany problems in their World Cup opener, Oswaldo Sanchez said.
![](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/88UsNfUpKndTz5dVpjiYD6.jpg)
Former Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez believes his nation's speed can trouble Germany in their World Cup opener on Sunday.
Juan Carlos Osorio's men were handed a tough draw in Russia, including taking on the defending world champions, who won all 10 of their qualifiers.
Sanchez, who made 99 appearances for Mexico, said the team know they have a challenge on their hands, but if they play their game, they could push Germany.
"There's no question that Germany is much bigger and taller than the Mexican squad, but this is not basketball, it's soccer, so the way to challenge them is to move quickly and play the ball really well," Sanchez told Omnisport in association with Powerade, the official sports drink of the World Cup and the Mexican team.
"Focus on speed, speed is what kills [strength] and height, so Mexico will have that going for them."
Germany are a well-oiled machine that enter the tournament in Russia as one of the hot favourites, with Mexico to face South Korea and Sweden after their Group F opener.
The match against Sweden, who will be playing without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, is set to be a challenge even though they have not won an opening game at the World Cup since 1958. That win, ironically, came against Mexico in 1958.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"They're a very interesting team to watch," Sanchez said. "Especially their [ability], they're incredibly disciplined, they thrive on their ability to fit all the pieces of the puzzle really, really well."
![LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 5: Arne Slot Manager of Liverpool congratulates Mohamed Salah of Liverpool after the 4-0 victory during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Anfield on November 5, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/q3ie7X2vDDiU7X6C9HVRK7-840-80.jpg)
‘The pure simplicity of the way Slot has managed the squad is probably the biggest thing I could say about him. It’s not broken, so let’s get on with it’: Liverpool legend full of admiration for Jurgen Klopp's successor at Anfield
![CARDIFF, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 02: Wales captain Ryan Giggs shakes the hand of manager John Toshack after being substituted on his last International appearance for his country during the Euro 2008 Group D Qualifying Match between Wales and Czech Republic at the Millennium Stadium on June 2, 2007 in Cardiff, Wales. Photo by (Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ooQ9oNmgvfUUG8TBUhn6BK-840-80.jpg)
‘I trained at Spurs and thought they’d give me a chance. But I received a letter thanking me but saying they didn’t think I was good enough – I was gutted’: How Tottenham missed out on signing Wales legend John Toshack