Germany set domination

Local link:

Former Dundee United favourite Johnny Russell got his first international start in Mexico last weekend and impressed.

Alan Gilzean scored against Mexican club side Guadalajara in 1962 when Dundee’s league-winning side took part in a friendly summer tournament in New York. The Dee won 3-2.

Sweden

Without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic to call on, the Swedes are nowhere near as potent as they have been in recent years.

However, knocking Italy out in the qualifying play-offs shows they have some mettle about them. Ranked 25th in the world, this is their first World Cup since 2006 where they reached the last 16. Emil Forsberg. Only one place to start here – Gothenburg.

After knocking Barcelona out, Dundee United were so close to Uefa Cup glory against IFK Gothenburg in 1987, only to lose out by one goal over two legs.

Swedes haven’t been all bad for the Tangerines, however, with Kjell Olofsson, Orjan Persson, Lars Zetterlund, Lennart Wing and Magnus Skoldmark all performing with distinction in lengthy spells at Tannadice.

Star player: Local link: South Korea

The Koreans scraped into the World Cup with a defeat and two 0-0 draws against Iran and Uzbekistan and haven’t set the heather alight in friendlies running up to the tournament.

Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, however, is a threat to be reckoned with for the rest of the group.

Son Heung-min. Christian Dailly captained Berti Vogts’ Scotland side to a 4-1 thumping at the hands of South Korea prior to their incredible run to the World Cup semi-finals in 2002. Lee Wilkie was an unused sub.

Star player: Local link:

substitute Mario Gotze after a 0-0 draw in the Maracana against Argentina. The Germans are one of the favourites again.