Germany vs Mexico is the talk of the town for Day 4 at the World Cup. But don’t sleep on Brazil vs Switzerland. Switzerland had a solid performance in European qualifying and shouldn’t roll over against a loaded Brazil side. Costa Rica will look to build off its Cinderella performance in 2014 as it takes on a Serbia team that enters the tournament with a lot of confidence.
As always, here are the picks from Connor Fleming (@conmanfleming), Bryce Badwan (@bbadss) and Travis Yoesting (@travisyoesting) for what figures to be a fun day in Russia.
Costa Rica vs Serbia
Connor: Serbia: "I will show you fear in a handful of dust." -Aleksandar Mitrovic
Bryce: Serbia: Serbia have been putting together some nice results and I think they'll get a big 3 points to open the tournament.
Travis: Draw - Neither team wants to lose its opener but neither team does enough to win.
Game Info:
8:00 a.m. ET
Samara Arena
FOX and Telemundo
Germany vs Mexico
Connor: Draw - Landing Germany right off the bat is really the only time you'd want to see them, and I think this plays out like Brazil-Mexico in 2014.
Bryce: Germany - I hope I'm wrong. I won't even care. I want Mexico, but I can't pick against Germany.
Travis: Germany - Mexico won't be able to keep up with the firepower of the reigning champion.
Game Info:
11:00 a.m. ET
Luzhniki Stadium
FS1 and Telemundo
Brazil vs Switzerland
Connor: Brazil - Neymar welcomes everyone to the Neymar Show by completing something like 10 dribbles.
Bryce: Brazil - It's Neymar's first real match back since injury and he's playing with people he actually likes. The Selecao get it done.
Travis: Brazil - Brazil will get a bit nervy, compounded by strong defending from Switzerland, but Neymar and Co. eke out a win.
Game Info:
2:00 p.m. ET
Rostov Arena
FS1 and Telemundo