Germany to start title defence against a decent Mexico side
Defending champions Germany will kick-off their title defence when they take on Mexico in a Group F match of the FIFA 2018 World Cup at the Luzhniki Stadium here on Sunday. In their previous 11 meetings, Germany have won six times while the South Americans managed just a single win. Germany passed the qualification stage with ease as they won all their ten games, thus becoming the first team to win all their qualification matches. The Manuel Neuer-led side however, haven't been at their best this year as Germany managed to win just one of their four international friendlies in 2018. Germany's defence will witness Boateng and Mats Hummels as the duo's role will be crucial on Sunday. The attacking lineup will be formed by striker Timo Werner, Thomas Muller on the right flank and Mesut Ozil. On the other side, Mexico too, have a settled squad. Jesus Gallardo and Miguel Layun are likely to be the full-backs on the left and right sides, respectively. Mexico's defence will feature Hector Moreno and Hugo Ayala, who form a formidable partnership. With the likes of Hector Herrera and Andres Guardado, Mexico's biggest strength lies in the midfield. The duo will be supported by either Jonathan dos Santos or Marco Fabian, who ever gets a chance in Sunday's game. Hirving Lozano, Carlos Vela, Giovani dos Santos and Oribe Peralta will lead the Mexican attack.Brazil under test in campaign opener vs Switzerland
Brazil's position as favourites to win the 2018 FIFA World Cup will be under test when they kick off their campaign against Switzerland here on Sunday. The Brazilians travel to Russia following a convincing 3-0 victory against Austria a week ago as Neymar banished any doubts about the injury. Against Austria, Coach Tite used Chelsea forward Willian to accompany Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Coutinho. Willian will probably start again here, leaving Tite to decide whether Fernandinho or Paulinho partners Casemiro in central midfield. Marcelo will provide attacking flare from left back, while Dani Alves' injury means Danilo will be given the chance on the right. Meanwhile everything points to Thiago Silva partnering Joao Miranda in central defence. The Swiss were slightly unlucky to finish behind Portugal in their qualifying group but are currently sixth in the FIFA world rankings with coach Vladimir Petkovic forging a united squad from a group of players from a host of different ethnic backgrounds. Petkovic stressed the importance of unity among his players when he said that although he hadn't selected the most talented 23 Swiss players to go to Russia, he had chosen "the best squad". If the Swiss can hang on until halftime they have a chance of springing a surprise, but if Brazil take an early lead it could be a matter of the Swiss hanging on to ensure their goal difference doesn't take a battering ahead of more accessible rivals such as Serbia and Mexico.Costa Rica, Serbia face-off in battle of underdogs
Underdogs Costa Rica and Serbia, both though boasting of experienced footballers, will face-off in a FIFA World Cup Group E clash at the Samara Arena here on Sunday. For Oscar Ramirez-coached Costa Rica, the aim in this World Cup is to improve on their best performance of a quarter-final which they achieved in 2014 and they have brought to Russia the core group that did wonders in Brazil. Their first opponent, Serbia are making their comeback to the World Cup after missing out in the 2014 edition qualification. They too have an experienced line-up, including players who played in the 2010 South Africa edition. The core of Costa Rica's roster is the starting 11 from 2014: goalkeeper Keylor Navas; defenders Oscar Duarte, Johnny Acosta, Giancarlo Gonzalez and Cristian Gamboa; midfielders Yeltsin Tejeda, Christian Bolaños, Celso Borges and Bryan Ruiz, and forwards Joel Campbell and Marco Ureña. Ahead of the match, Serbia Captain Aleksandar Kolarov said that Costa Rica have very good defenders. The match on Sunday will be Serbia head coach Mladen Krstajic's first competitive match in charge of the side.IANS
