Ozil to return for Germany

Mesut Ozil has been declared fit for his first match for more than a month and is expected to play for Germany against Mexico today despite the political storm after he and Ilkay Gundogan were photographed with Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “He will be there when needed and will play a good tournament,” said German midfielder Julian Draxler.

Kolarov tips Serbia for success

Captain Aleksandar Kolarov says Serbia can achieve big things in Russia ahead of their World Cup opener against Costa Rica and reach the knockout stages for the first time. “If we play to our potential, are honest among ourselves, as we have been these three weeks, then we can do something,” he said. “Qualifying for Russia was a great success, we are here on merit, but we are not going to be satisfied merely by being here, we want to go a step further.”

Kompany likely to be fit

Vincent Kompany is likely to be fit for Belgium’s World Cup campaign after Laurent Ciman left the squad yesterday morning. Ciman was called up as cover for the Manchester City captain after Kompany suffered a groin injury. “With Vinny we are going to take until tomorrow to make the final call,” coach Roberto Martinez said. “But we are confident that he will be available to be involved in the third game of the group phase.”

Swiss prepared to win ugly

Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic says his side must be prepared to win ugly in today’s Group E opener against Brazil in Rostov. “We’re not here to make a lovely match but to win it,” said Petkovic.