Mesut Ozil has been criticised after his performance during Germany’s 1-0 upset vs Mexico in their opening World Cup fixture.
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World Cup holders Germany suffered a colossal blow in their pursuit to retain the title in Russia as they lost 1-0 to the Central American underdogs Mexico in their opening fixture in the 2018 Russian World Cup.
A 35th minute goal from Mexico winger Hirving Lozano was the difference and despite Germany registering an enormous 26 shots, not a single effort was able to beat Mexican ‘keeper Guillermo Ochoa.
Mesut Ozil is so often the scapegoat at club level for Arsenal and it would appear that his role in the national side is no different.
Fans took to social media during and after the game to hurl abuse at the Arsenal number ten for his poor performance throughout the 90 minutes.
This. Is the Ozil I know. This is what we (Arsenal) put up with every 2.5 games. Overrated. Best days were at Madrid. Shocking attitude. Only thing that makes up for it. Is the ground he covers every game.
— Nadz?? (@NadzShallRise) June 17, 2018
Is there a player with a more lazy not arsed attitude than ozil. Thought it was arsenal he was just a let down for . Made up the Germans lost like but hes horrible to watch mope round the pitch when he has the ability to be the best on nearly every pitch he steps on
— Gary Winders (@GaryWinders) June 17, 2018
And there goes Ozil and his attitude again….. ?
— Bennnn (@Ben_bennyzxcB) June 17, 2018
Get Mesut Ozil back on a flight to Germany the night. Guy’s appalling. 1-0 down and walking back to help his defence. Stinking attitude. #WorldCup
— Gary (@SpoutHandle) June 17, 2018
It has to be said that quite often the criticism directed at Ozil can be unfair and exaggerated. On his day, Ozil is possibly one of the most exciting creative midfielders in world football.
Today however is just one that covered the German midfielder in very little glory.
Specifically, fans picked up on the attitude from the Arsenal midfielder throughout the 90 minutes with some pointing to Ozil’s poor attempt at ‘defending’ for the opening Mexico goal. You can see the footage below.
Ozil trying to defend gets sent for a bratwurst #GERMEX pic.twitter.com/5YrMg1pQtI
— föxintheböx2001 (@foxinthebox2010) June 17, 2018
Ozil’s defending on that goal was shocking
— Titi (@Yaga_yawww) June 17, 2018
Many however made the point that no one from the German side covered themselves in glory and that perhaps Ozil was one of the few stars that looked like actually creating a goalscoring opportunity. Is the number ten being unfairly scapegoated once again?
Whenever Germany and Arsenal lose rivals come out of nowhere and saying all sort of things about Ozil being bad. In my opinion, Ozil was the only good thing about Germany for today’s game, but the forwards are truly shocking and so is the defence. #GERMEX #WorldCup
— Mr Gooner (@mr_gooner) June 17, 2018
“Ozil goes missing” Yes he was poor today but the whole German team were shocking. Just hate the way he always gets the blame ?
— JackHarrison (@J_Harrison_13) June 17, 2018
Ozil played decent compared to the shit that surrounded him today
Shocking— Hamad Bin F (@HamadTheUsurper) June 17, 2018