Heavyweights Brazil will attempt to register their first win at the 2018 World Cup over Costa Rica in tonight’s first match.
Iceland are shooting for their first World Cup win over Nigeria, before Serbia and Switzerland lock horns in what should be a great match.
Tournament favourites Brazil will attempt to make light work of minnow nation Costa Rica in St Petersburg tonight.
Brazil were held to a draw by Switzerland first-up and while it isn’t panic stations just yet, they really need to win this game if they are to ensure progression and give themselves the best possible draw moving forward. Brazil have a terrific record against Los Ticos and realistically, they have the firepower to put on a few goals.
Costa Rica were good in their campaign-opener but ultimately, finished on the wrong end of a 1-0 score line against Serbia. They are a decent team defensively and obviously, they will need to call on all of that strength if they are to contain the likes of Neymar, Coutinho and Firmino.
If Brazil click into gear, we could be set for a big score line and they can lump the pressure on Costa Rica by scoring early.
We’re set for an intriguing fixture when Nigeria and Iceland square off in Volgograd tonight.
Iceland were outstanding first-up and held the mighty Argentina to a 1-1 draw; withstanding many attempts and slotting a nice one of their own. They fought above their weight at the Euros two years ago and look set to do the same thing in Russia. Progression out of this Group will be a very realistic prospect if they can win tonight.
Nigeria were comfortably beaten by Croatia first-up, but the Europeans have since gone on to deliver Argentina a 3-0 defeat and are clearly playing in outstanding form. Nigeria have struggled in attack recently and it’s tough seeing them trouble the strong Icelandic defence too much.
Two extremely well-matched sides will meet when Serbia and Switzerland step onto the Kaliningrad turf tonight.
Serbia did enough to edge past a spirited Costa Rica 1-0 in their first fixture and have given themselves the best chance of progressing into the knockout stage. They are a well-drilled and disciplined side, but do meet a similar set-up tonight.
Switzerland continued their excellent run of form in World Cup openers by drawing with Brazil and they are sure to take plenty of confidence in a match with a seemingly easier opponent.
Assuming that Brazil win their remaining games, this is probably the most vital fixture in Group E and a win for either side would be massive. They are just too hard to split and a draw looks like a likely (and lucrative) outcome.