Emmanuel Petit: German disarray reminded me of France 2002 debacle

The defending champs looked anything but efficient in their Group F opener. The speed of Mexico’s sweeping counters left Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng rocking like central American terra firma after Hirving Lozano’s goal if seismic monitors are to be believed.

The result puts Die Mannschaft in an awkward spot. They face a stout Swedish rearguard in their second game, and, speaking to Paddy Power News, Emmanuel Petit said that the way they lost would cause him concern.

‘The manner of Germany’s defeat to Mexico reminded me of the France team when we lost our opening game in 2002 against Senegal,’ said the World Cup winner.

‘We played exactly the same way as Germany did on Sunday. We conceded from counter attacks on so many occasions’

‘I didn’t like what I saw on the pitch from the Germans, especially in the first half.’

TOPSHOT – Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) concedes a goal during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 17, 2018. (Photo by Mladen ANTONOV / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – NO MOBILE PUSH ALERTS/DOWNLOADS (Photo credit should read MLADEN ANTONOV/AFP/Getty Images)

‘The behaviour of some of the players was quite shocking.’

Manu and his French allies crashed out as holders in the group stage in 2002. Could the same fate befall the usually so consistent Germans?

‘After 30 minutes Mexico should have scored three goals, easily. It was one-against-one all the time on the counter, sometimes even two-on-one. That shouldn’t be possible when you are playing for the German national side.’

‘The lack of desire and even anger definitely reminds me of us in Asia’

There’s still several world champions in that squad and they need to wake up, urgently.

‘They have the talent to win against Sweden and South Korea, but if they continue to play like this even the smaller teams at the World Cup could beat them.’

‘I still believe they can make it through the group stage, but Mexico’s win could mean they meet Brazil in the next round and they’ll be hunting for revenge after 4 years ago.’