
Defending champions Germany begin their title defence on Sunday as they take on Mexico.
The opening game in Group F takes place in Moscow, with Germany looking to maintain their run of not losing at a World Cup since South Africa in 2010.
Joachim Low is very happy with hos his squad have prepared but he is wary of the threat Mexico carry.
“Mexico is a fast and technically solid opponent. They will demand everything of us, but we will find the appropriate solutions. I’m optimistic that we’ll present ourselves well — the team will step up this week. Everything is focused on Sunday,” he said.
Mexico boss Juan Carlos Osorio insists he side have to believe and said: “We have a right to shine and believe we can go to the final.”
See below for a preview on the games, including predictions from former England and Tottenham midfielder Andy Gray and our own Football Insider Graeme Bailey and bet365’s Steve Freeth.
Germany 16:00 Mexico
Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Live on BBC
At Luzhniki Stadium volunteers practice for the Germany-Mexico game pic.twitter.com/RZVUE3lui0
— Kevin Baxter (@kbaxter11) June 10, 2018
TEAM NEWS AND POSSIBLE LINE-UPS: Both managers have fully fit squads to choose from.
Germany: Manuel Neuer; Joshua Kimmich, Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector; Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos; Thomas Muller, Mesut Ozil, Marco Reus; Timo Werner
Mexico: Guillermo Ochoa; Carlos Salcedo, Hugo Ayala, Hector Moreno, Miguel Layun; Hector Herrera, Andres Guardado; Carlos Vela; Jesus Corona, Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano
KEY FACT: Germany have not lost a match at the World Cup finals since their semi-final loss to Spain in 2010
Match odds from bet365: GERMANY 1/2 DRAW 7/2 MEXICO 13/2
bet365 Pick: Both Teams to Score @10/11
ANDY SAYS: A close game this one, but I think Germany might just edge this…1-0
GRAEME SAYS: A good game for sure, but I can only see a win for the champions…3-1
FOOTBALLIndex – One to follow: Manuel Neuer – Still the best goalkeeper in the world, he will be looking to prove that in Russia