There are three very intriguing matches on the docket in Russia today, including a pair of CONCACAF sides in action.
Opening the day is Costa Rica, who are looking to repeat their form from four years ago, when they were a penalty shootout away from making the semi-finals. They take on Serbia, who are returning to the World Cup after failing to get there in 2014.
The highlight match of the day features Germany, the defending champions go up against a feisty Mexican side that is known for playing well against top-level sides. Joachim Low’s side will have a tricky test about them as they look to get their title defense off to a solid start.
A real treat is there for the end of the day, as well. Brazil always put on a show and they face an interesting Switzerland side. Neymar and his crew have plenty of pressure on them as they look to avenge their misery from four years ago.
The SBI editorial staff will be on hand all day long providing live commentary of the matches. Feel free to jump in the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below.
FT: Brazil 1 – Switzerland 1. Coutinho’s opener is canceled out by Zuber’s header. Definitely dropped points for Brazil but a good response by Swiss. That’s it for coverage today, three games tomorrow coming!
Neymar crosses it in and the Swiss clear it off the line. Corner Brazil. 96′
Neymar fouled outside of the box and now Brazil has a late FK coming. 94′
Miranda picks up the loose ball and volleys it wide of the left post. 91′
Corner Brazil. Augusto wins it. 90′
Another good save by Sommer as he pushes away Firmino’s header. 90′
If result holds, Costa Rica is still very much alive in the group. Brazil faces Costa Rica next on Friday, while Serbia faces Switzerland.
Shaqiri goes for the wondershot and misses badly. 88′
Neymar gets his head on the cross but right to Sommer. 87′
Lichtsteiner is coming off for Switzerland as he is replaced by Michael Lang. 86
Firmino is fouled then Neymar fouled. Swiss is holding on for a point. 85′
Lichtsteiner is down but back to his feet after catching an elbow to the head. 81′
Breel Embolo replaces Seferovic. 80′
Roberto Firmino is on for Jesus. 78′
Neymar curls one but doesn’t get all of it. Easy save for Sommer. 77′
Jesus is tripped inside of the box but no call. Brazil bench is fuming. 74′
Gabriel Jesus goes down but it looks very easy. No call. 73′
Dzemaili lets it fly but an easy save for the Roma keeper Alisson. 72′
Fernandinho catches Haris Seferovic down the leg. Swiss bench is furious but nothing called. 71′
Denis Zakaria comes on for Behrami after he picks up a yellow. 70′
Coutinho misses his shot wide. Figured he would do better there. 69′
Valon Behrami sees yellow after a foul on Neymar. Midfielder gives a little laugh at Brazilian’s theatrics. 68′
Willian gets room and shoots but skies a left-footed effort into the stands. Paulinho to be replaced by Augusto. 67′
Fabian Schaer booked for Swiss after a tug back on Neymar. 65′