TODAY’S MATCHES

COSTA RICA v SERBIA 1pm Gp E Samara ITV TEAMS

Nobody will underestimate Costa Rica after they topped a group with Uruguay, Italy and England in 2014. Serbia qualified for Russia ahead of Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

KEY PLAYERS

Costa Rica keeper Keylor Navas has won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid. Serbia boast PL stars Aleksandar Mitrovic, Nemanja Matic and Aleksandar Kolarov.

PREDICTION

This is likely to go the distance with one moment of magic or mistake settling it. Serbia will hope to capitalise on their size at set-pieces.

BRAZIL v SWITZERLAND 7pm Gp E Rostov-on-Don ITV TEAMS

Brazil seem to be everyone’s fancy after banishing memories of the 7-1 humiliation against Germany four years ago. But Switzerland beat Northern Ireland in the play-offs.

KEY PLAYERS

Brazil breathed a sigh of relief when Neymar proved his fitness. Gabriel Jesus is an alternative source of goals. Switzerland’s Xherdan Shaqiri is their greatest threat.

PREDICTION

Switzerland upset tournament favourites Spain in their opening game of 2010 but a repeat is hard to see. Brazil have too much firepower.

GERMANY v MEXICO 4pm Gp F Moscow BBC TEAMS

Germany are the world champions and will want a fast start. Mexico have reached the knockout stages at the last six World Cups.

KEY PLAYERS

Germany are buoyed by return of keeper Manuel Neuer. Up front Leipzig forward Timo Werner is a danger. Mexico’s main man will be West Ham’s Javier Hernandez.

PREDICTION

Both sides should beat Sweden and South Korea, so avoiding an early slip-up might be the first priority. Mexico are no mugs and this may be closer than the bookies think.