Day 4 features two of the tournament favorites kicking off in Russia as Brazil begins against Switzerland and defending champions Germany will battle CONCACAF’s best side Mexico. Our panelists predict all of the action this Sunday.
Costa Rica vs Serbia (Sunday in Samara)
Matt Pollard: Costa Rica had one of the best tournaments of any CONCACAF team back in 2014. They execute the 3-5-2 extremely well but much of their core is on the wrong side of 30. On the other side, Serbia’s like Iceland but with no hype. A small scrappy European team from a small nation without much international history. I think experience wins out here, but I don’t see either team getting out of the group. 2-1 Costa Rica
Steen Kirby: Costa Rica will get a lot of credit in this tournament simply for their stunning rise in 2014. That said, this is an older side that is generally lacking in top level talent outside of Navas in goal. Serbia are a tall and physical side that should have enough to get the 3 points here. Serbia 1-0
Shiven Mohindra: Serbia look like a well balanced side heading into their opening game against Costa Rica, with quality in all 3 departments. The key to this game will be the midfield battle, and look no further than the duo of Serjej Milinkovic-Savic and Nemanja Matic, two defensive midfielders who have had phenomenal seasons at Lazio and Manchester United respectively. Costa Rica had an eventful trip to Rio in 2014 and will look to relive some of their success this time round in Russia. However with a squad with little experience, they may struggle against the Serbs. 3-1 Serbia win
Brazil vs Switzerland (Sunday in Rostov)
Matt: Brazil’s out for blood in Russia after the way they exited the 2014 World Cup on home soil. I love how diversely experienced this Switzerland team is for their clubs and their country, but Selecao will make a statement to open their tournament. 2-0 Brazil
Steen: Switzerland are a good team but they don’t have the flair and talent of Brazil, who have every chance of lifting the trophy at the end of the tournament. The Swiss should stick around make things interesting but look for Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and others to press enough to get 3 points to start off the tournament. Brazil 3-1
Shiven: Tournament favourites Brazil have one of the most talented young squads in the tournament, where Switzerland will display one with limited experience and talent. Switzerland’s star talent lies in Stoke winger, Xherdan Shaqiri, well known for his wonder goals. However, Brazil’s firepower will simply overwhelm and outclass the Swiss. 3-0 Brazil win
Germany vs Mexico (Sunday in Moscow)
Matt: “Football is a simple game. Twenty two men kick a ball around for 90 minutes and at the end the Germans always win.” 2-0 Germany
Steen: Full disclosure I have Germany winning the tournament and Mexico seems to be a bit overrated yet again going in. Germany plays like a team and they have plenty of depth, meaning even if Mexico plays well Germany can probably adjust, and perhaps bring in some key subs. Anything less than 3 points for Germany would surprise me here. Germany 2-1
Shiven: It’s a well known fact that you can never count out the Germans. They head into this game with a good mix of youth and experience and will look to secure three points. The squad comes with pace upfront, through striker, Timo Werner and strength and experience at the back with the combination of Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels. The one hope Mexico may be able to clutch at is the fact that Manuel Neuer may not be at his best after missing majority of the season due to injury. Hirving Lozano will be Mexico’s primary threat going forward and the Mexican midfield will look to allow him to get in behind the backline, exploit his pace and look to net a few goals. 2-0 Germany win
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