Chicharito in starting lineup to face Germany

Hammer Chicharito will get his FIFA World Cup campaign underway at 4 pm when his Mexico side take on defending champions Germany in their Group F opener. The West Ham striker has been announced in the starting lineup. He previously got on the scoresheet in both his previous World cup tournament appearances – in South Africa eight years ago and Brazil in 2014.

Mexico take on Germany at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in a 4pm kick-off on Sunday on BBC 1

Before the game Hernandez said: “In the World Cup, you have to play the bigger footballing nations. You cannot escape that and still think about winning the trophy, can you? Germany is a team. They have shown in past that they are used to reaching their peak whenever the Cup starts. 

“With such a quality squad, they can dream about defending their title won in Brazil. But we shall try our best to make it difficult for them as much as possible.  It will be decided on the pitch, not on paper. We are ready to face them.”

Mexico’s only win against Germany in 11 internationals (D5, L5) was in a friendly in June 1985.