Confederations Cup 2017: Germany vs. Mexico 5 key players

Here are five key players to watch in the Confederations Cup semifinal between Germany and Mexico on June 29.

Opinions were mixed on Germany before the Confederations Cup began. Manager Joachim Low decided to bring an inexperienced squad to Russia, while Mexico brought many of the same players that won three of the previous four Gold Cups. Here’s a look at the five key players in the semifinal, which kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 29.

5. Julian Draxler

Key players are difficult to predict for Germany because Low rotated his squad so much in the group stage. The only players not to appear for Germany were keeper Kevin Trapp and Leroy Sane, who was injured. Julian Draxler, Joshua Kimmich and Sebastian Rudy were the only players to play in all three of Germany’s games. Draxler will lead Germany’s possession-orientated attack that will try to get the ball to the feet of Timo Werner or Lars Stindl in the box. The PSG winger will work with his former Schalke teammate Leon Goretzka to provide service to the strikers. The German captain can also cut into the box and create goals for himself. In what is an extremely young squad, Draxler’s the most complete player.

4. Hector Moreno

Mexico will almost certainly spend the majority of the match without the ball. Hector Moreno will anchor the Mexican defense. Moreno will use his size and physicality to slow down a German attack that is tied for the tournament lead in goals. If Moreno can keep Germany from hitting their targets in the and around the penalty area, Mexico might be able to upset the reigning world champions. In Mexico’s opening game against Portugal, Moreno scored a late goal to get his team a point, and he’ll be a threat on set pieces in this one as well.

3. and 2. Joshua Kimmich and Sebastian Rudy

Kimmich and Rudy make the German lineup very difficult to predict and plan for. Rudy is capable of playing as a defensive midfielder or full-back. Kimmich can play almost anywhere. The Bayern Munich player has played as a holding midfielder, full-back, center-back and even pushed forward and played as a winger. Both Rudy and Kimmich allow Low to deploy different lineups and make mid-game adjustments seamlessly.

In the semifinal, Low will likely deploy Rudy in the middle of the field and use Kimmich at right-back. Rudy will be the calming influence in the middle that helps organize the defense and link play between the midfield and defense. Kimmich will form a partnership with Goretzka on the right. The duo will try to make overlapping runs to get crosses into the box.

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1. Javier Hernandez

Chicharito is Mexico’s best scoring option. The pacey striker is able to create space and get inside of the box, where his finishing is deadly. Despite being only 5-foot-9, Hernandez can finish with his head on set pieces and crosses. Mexico need Hernandez to apply pressure to the German defense, which made several mistakes in the group stages that led to goals. If Mexico can force Germany to make mistakes, Hernandez will make them pay.