There’s legitimate major star power on both sides when Mexico and Germany kickoff their Olympics with a 4 p.m. EDT kickoff at the Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador.
From Max Meyer to Oribe Peralta, Julian Brandt to Hirving Lozano, Thursday’s match comes with the anticipation of entertainment.
WATCH: Mexico vs. Germany at NBCOlympics.com
Mexico is defending gold from 2012, and has the weapons to make a charge at a second top finish. Goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera is an under discussed strength, carrying the honor of a CONCACAF Champions League Golden Glove, while Victor Guzman and the Houston Dynamo’s Erick Torres are capable of working wonders at their respective ends of the pitch.