Moscow: The defending champions Germany are all set to start their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign today against the confident Mexican side at the Luzhniki stadium here.
The German team has to shrug off a rocky World Cup build-up as they begin the defence of their title on Sunday against a vastly experienced Mexico side jolted by their own pre-tournament scandal.
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Germany are trying to become the first team in 56 years to successfully defend their title, after Brazil in 1962.
The 2014 World Cup winners defeated Mexico 4-1 on the way to lifting last year’s Confederations Cup trophy.
Meanwhile, the underdog Mexican side is ready to cause a major upset and beat Germany for the first time in a tournament.
At the same time, five-time World Cup winners Brazil are expecting to start their World Cup journey with a bang. They are all set to clash against the Swiss side at the Rostov Arena.
All the eyes will be on Neymar Jr. as to how the Brazilian talisman will lead the team in the biggest football event.
Meanwhile, there are reports that Switzerland players might feel difficult to play in such climatic conditions.
But, Swiss defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has said that the team will not be looking for excuses if they get a poor result against Brazil.
The third match of the day is between Costa Rica and Serbia. Both the teams will square off at the Samara arena.
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Branislav Ivanovic is all set to become Serbia’s most capped player for the Serbian team. He will overtake Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic to become Serbia’s most capped player with 104 international appearances.
With games against Brazil and Switzerland lying in wait in Group E, this is a pivotal opening game for both nations to press their credentials to reach the knockout stages.
(With ANI inputs)