One of the big shocks of the tournament so far was Mexico’s victory over Germany. The German team can’t afford any mistakes if it wants to reach the knockout stage, and its performance has left many fans worried.

CGTN’s Dan Williams reports.

For the last week, Moscow’s Red Square has become a central hub for football fans. A fans football park has opened in the middle of the square, making it more likely for supporters to pay a visit over the next few weeks.

A Mexico fan walks at the Red Square in Moscow during the Russia 2018 World Cup football tournament, on June 21, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / Patrik STOLLARZ)

Mexico caught Germany napping in the opener. As the majority of Mexican fans celebrate, German supporters are left to examine where it all went wrong. They’re especially worried ahead of the team’s second match against Sweden.

Germany’s fans wave German national flags as they cheer prior to the Russia 2018 World Cup Group F football match between Germany and Mexico at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on June 17, 2018. (AFP PHOTO / PATRIK STOLLARZ)

“The thing was, the first half was really shocking. It was as if they were not motivated, or didn’t want to play. And I think that maybe we got back on the ground a bit and caught up against Sweden,” said one football fan.

Team Germany is looking to avoid an unwanted record. In recent years, France, Italy and Spain have all won a World Cup, only to then crash out in the group stage as holders four years later.

Mexico’s forward Javier Hernandez celebrates their first 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. (AFP PHOTO / Yuri CORTEZ)

It wasn’t just the result that shocked German fans. The team’s performance was also uncharacteristically disjointed. A defeat against Sweden would likely see Germany crash out in the group stage for the first time since 1938. But even with all the pressure, the players are confident they can turn it around.

“We certainly had a brutal experience in the first game as we had not imagined, where our weaknesses were, also quite clearly uncovered. And that’s what we worked on, we’ll work until the game and then I’m convinced that we’ll show a different face,” said German forward Mario Gomez.