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Favourites Brazil kick off their World Cup campaign against Serbia while the world will be watching Ronaldo’s progress against Ghana – all this and more in Thursday’s lineup.
Brazil vs Serbia
It’s been 20 years since Brazil last won a World Cup. They are the most successful in the history of the competition and favourites to win it again.
Brazil and Serbia were in the group stages in 2018 – Brazil won 2-0 on that occasion. The Serbians might be ranked 24 places lower than their opponents but showed their abilities when qualifying (W6, D2).
The stage is set for Neymar to shine and he’s likely to – he has been directly involved in 42% of Brazil’s 19 goals in the tournament since he debut in 2014. Dušan Vlahovic has earned a good reputation in the Serie A and will be keen to help Serbia put up a good fight.
Switzerland vs Cameroon
It’ll be a tough task for Cameroon who face a Swiss team in-form after they sailed through qualifying without losing a single game. Their group included Italy which goes to show they have a strong side. The Indomitable Lions edged Algeria to secure their place at the finals. But their build up has been poor with draws to both Panama and Jamaica. One goal could decide all three points.
Portugal vs Ghana
Read the full match preview here!
Uruguay vs South Korea
Head coach Diego Alonso wants Uruguay to emulate the 1930 class that won the tournament. Why is he so confident? They have qualified for three finals in a row and moved out of the groups on each occasion too.
Uruguay have conceded in just two of their previous nine group stage matches at the World Cup so a goal for South Korea would be a real achievement in this contest.
Be on the watch for Luis Suarez, he scored twice when these two teams played in the round of 16 in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
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