16.00 – Germany v Mexico:
Not many have been talking up Ze Germans this time round, which is mind boggling given their record at World Cups and how clinical they were in sealing their spot at the Finals.
They come in on the back of a 100 percent record with 10 wins from 10 and a new joint European record of 43 goals in qualifying. Yes, they haven’t been setting the world alight with their friendly performances in the lead up but that’s hardly a good gauge to go by.
Germany will see a lot of possession in this game and they’ve won their opening game in each of their last seven World Cups, including scoring 20 goals in their last four openers.
Remember, Ze Germans are robots. They’re big, technical, mentally strong and finely tuned to get the job done. Don’t doubt them. And as the wise cup shaped headed man, Gary Lineker, once said: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win.”
Back Germany to score in both halves and Germany over 2.5 corners each half @ 6/1 (WhatoddsPaddy)
19.00 – Brazil v Switzerland:
While Switzerland are a sturdy side and boast a decent record in their opening games in each of their last four World Cups (remember they beat Spain in 2010?), it’s hard to see them stopping a Brazil side that have only tasted defeat once in 21 games and conceded 5 goals.
We do expect it to be a tighter affair than what’s been talked about. Yes, if you were a Swiss defender you’d be shi**ing yourself with the thought of trying to stop Coutinho, Neymar, Jesus, Firmino, Douglas Costa and the rest of the lads but they’ll be well drilled so we’re going to avoid backing a load of goals here.
We do expect Brazil to have too much for them and with a steely spine running through the team (Alisson, Thiago Silva, Fernandinho, Casemiro) we think backing the Samba boys to win to nil is the bet here. Plus, if Gabriel Jesus’ pal was right when he posted the leaked side (tweet now has been deleted), then it’s a bloody good XI!
Back Brazil to win to nil @ 11/10
Bet Summary: Double pays 12/1
Back Germany to score in both halves and Germany over 2.5 corners each half @ 6/1
Back Brazil to win to nil @ 11/10