Joachim Low's side advanced to the knockout phase with little trouble, amassing seven points after a draw with Chile and defeats of Cameroon and Australia. The Germans have not brought a full-strength squad with them to Russia - stars such as Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer have been left at home - but there is still more than enough talent within the ranks for Die Mannschaft to go all the way this summer. Even if they are unable to do so, Low will surely be grateful for the opportunity to take a look at some of the other players at his disposal ahead of the World Cup in less than 12 months' time.
Mexico also picked up seven points in the group stage, scoring a late equaliser to draw 2-2 with Portugal and getting the better of both Russia and New Zealand. Juan Carlos Osorio and his players will now be quietly confident of taking the trophy back home with them, although it is worth recognising that El Tri are probably the biggest underdogs in the semi-final line-up. The Mexicans did play some impressive football at times in Group A, though, so they should not be written off heading into Thursday's contest.
Germany will almost certainly line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation here, with Niklas Sule, Antonio Rudiger and either Matthias Ginter or Shkodran Mustafi at the back. Emre Can was a doubt for the meeting with Cameroon but came through unscathed, so the Liverpool man will continue alongside Sebastian Rudy in midfield; at the top of the pitch, meanwhile, RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner's two goals last time out means he is favourite to lead the line.
Mexico boss Osorio will stick with a 4-3-3 configuration, with centre-half Hector Moreno - who has now returned to full fitness following an injury scare earlier in the competition - set to resume his partnership with Nestor Araujo at the back. In midfield, a trio of Hector Herrera, Jonathan dos Santos and Andres Guardado provides fine balance and an excellent blend of qualities, while further forward Hirving Lozano could keep his place in the front three after a terrific showing against Russia. Former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker Javier Hernandez will probably start through the middle, with Carlos Vela providing support from the right.
Taking everything into account, it could be worth backing Mexico to pull off an upset in this one. Germany deserve their tag of favourites and have played some excellent football at times, but this El Tri side possesses more experience and could be streetwise enough to pull off a surprise win. The tempting odds available on Mexico emerging victorious at the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi makes it a wager well worth considering, while Hirving Lozano would be an astute choice in the anytime goalscorer market.
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