Finally! The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is picking up pace. On Thursday, the tournament kicks off with the opening match between Russia and Saudi Arabia. Germany begins its tournament on Sunday against Mexico. And otherwise? Here's a small overview of the opening matches of the individual teams at the World Cup.
In Group A, hosts Russia and Saudi Arabia start the tournament. As hosts, Russia may be considered favorites in this match; however, Saudi Arabia should not be underestimated, as the friendly against Germany last weekend showed.
On Friday, Egypt and Uruguay from Group A play against each other. In the overall evenly matched Group A, it will be about positioning oneself well from the start to reach the knockout rounds. Group B also starts on Friday: While Morocco against Iran is not expected to be among the tournament's top matches, the World Cup experiences its first highlight with the match Portugal versus Spain - the European champions face the title contenders; superstar Ronaldo faces his Real Madrid teammates.
Two matches each from Group C and Group D are scheduled for Saturday: From Group C, France plays Australia. France is considered the favorite - both in the match and for the group win. In the second match of the group - Peru versus Denmark - it will already be about who can secure a good position to advance to the knockout rounds. The situation is similar in Group D: Here Argentina has the role of favorite - a victory by opponents Iceland in their World Cup debut could cause a huge upset on Saturday. In the second group match, Croatia faces Nigeria - both teams can be expected to reach the knockout rounds.
Sunday means: twice Group E, once Group F. From Group E, Costa Rica and Serbia play, as well as Switzerland and Brazil. From a German perspective, the group is exciting because Germany will face one of the teams from this group in the knockout rounds. But first, the group stage must be survived. And it begins for Germany on Sunday against Mexico.
The second group match from Group F is then on Monday the match Sweden versus South Korea. Also on Monday, the teams from Group G start into the World Cup: The Belgians, again traded by many as dark horses, face the World Cup debutants from Panama; Tunisia plays against England. The teams from the particularly evenly matched Group H conclude the first match day - here every team can be expected to reach the knockout rounds: Colombia faces Japan here and Poland hosts Senegal.