Brazil find themselves pitted against Serbia and Switzerland in Group G for the second successive World Cup, along with Cameroon to complete a tough opening three matches.
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Group G: Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon
Brazil are the only nation to have participated in every World Cup since its inception in 1930 and have managed to win the title on five occasions. They are the favourites to extend their lead at the top of the all-time standings.
Switzerland are heading into their 12th World Cup appearance with their best feat coming in 1934 and 1938 when they reached back-to-back quarter-finals.
Cameroon, meanwhile, will make their eighth appearance in this competition looking to surpass the quarter-final stages for the first time, while Serbia has already made nine appearances in the tournament, with the best finish in the tournament coming in 1930 when they reached the semi-finals.
Best match: Cameroon vs Brazil
It will be an entertaining fixture between one of Africa’s best nations and South America’s best do battle at the Lusail Iconic Stadium on December 2.
The two teams have met six times including twice in the World Cup, both in the group stage matches, which ended in victories for Brazil, firstly by a scoreline of 3–0 in 1994 followed by a comfortable 4–1 win in 2014.
Predicted qualifiers: Brazil and Switzerland
Brazil are the clear favourite to finish top of the group G standings.
It could be a mad scramble to finish second with while Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon bidding to emerge into the knockout phase. Little to choose between them but we are tipping Switzerland.
Player to watch: Neymar
The PSG star has been a permanent fixture in the Brazil national team since 2014 qualifying and over the years he has become the most influential figure in the squad.
Neymar will look to light up the World Cup as he leads the national team in Qatar, especially after his blistering start to the campaign for PSG, having already scored 15 goals and registered 12 assists in only 20 club appearances so far this season.
Player that could surprise: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
The 33-year-old has been in impressive form for Bayern Munich this season and has managed to bag 11 goals and three assists in only 16 appearances across all competitions so far this campaign.
Choupo-Moting alongside his strike partner Vincent Aboubakar will play a crucial role in helping Cameroon bypass the group stages, his pacy, technical ability and his versatility in attack, will afford Cameroon a different attacking dimension going forward.