Groups E and F are in the crosshairs tonight as Brazil, Switzerland and Serbia fight to squeeze into two spots, while Sweden and Germany look to join Mexico at the top of Group F.
In potentially the most complex and interesting night thus far, both Brazil and Germany could be sent packing.
Unlikely, but possible.
If the results are anything near as unpredictable as the ones from Group A and B a few nights back, this could be a wild ride. Good luck with your tips and don’t forget to insert them into the sheet below and have your say.
Here is how the well and truly out of form experts are feeling about Day 14.
Tips: draw, Germany, Brazil, Switzerland
Mexico have taken all before them thus far and looked like one of the better sides in the tournament. Sweden will feel like a point got away against Germany and it could be decisive in the final wash-up. This is a tricky match to line-up and a tough draw will make it unlikely for Sweden to advance.
After the fright of all frights, Germany will beat South Korea and hope the Mexicans continue their good form and account for Sweden. There will be as many eyes on the pitch as mobile devices during these matches, as all three monitor each other’s progress.
(Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Logic says Brazil put a few goals past Serbia, however, logic has proven as valuable as a surfboard at the South Pole so far throughout the tournament.
That same rationalisation suggests Switzerland will account for Costa Rica and it will be the Brazil vs Serbia game that will decide the second qualifying position. Another group where knowing the progress elsewhere may determine the second half approach.
Tips: draw, Germany, Brazil, Switzerland
Mexico have been in sensational form so far, but they’ll come up against a Swedish side desperate to extend their stay in the tournament. Sweden were incredibly unlucky to lose to Germany last time out. They’ll put up plenty of fight here, with this game potentially finishing all square.
Germany have looked anything but world beaters thus far. They’ll know all about South Korea’s star man Son Heung-min as well, given Son’s five-year stint in the Bundesliga. The South Koreans are a better team than their performances have suggested in Russia, but they’ll run into a highly-motivated German side eager to guarantee their place in the Round of 16.
Will we see more theatrics from Neymar? Once renowned for Jogo Bonito, now Brazil are among the most cynical teams in world football. They should have too much quality for Serbia, but boy are they an unlikeable team to watch.
(Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Switzerland will take plenty out of their dramatic win over Serbia, but potential suspensions to goal scorers Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri were probably not what they had in mind. Still, the Swiss look tough to beat under Vladimir Petkovic, and they’ll send Costa Rica home pointless at the end of this one.
Tips: draw, Germany, Switzerland, Brazil
Mexico can lock away top spot in Group F with a single point against Sweden – a position they would hardly have believed possible prior to the tournament. The Swedes were desperately unlucky to have fallen to Germany, but they were in a position to push forward against ten men late in the game, and instead sat back trying to hold out for the draw. That decision will cost them here – a repeat performance will see them trouble Mexico, but not enough to grab all three points.
Germany, on the other hand, look set to seal qualification with a win over South Korea. The Asian heavyweights have been well below their best in Russia, although Son Heung-min gave them a highlight to remember with his cracking goal against Mexico. A couple of changes here and there for the Germans – you’d think Mario Gomez and Ilkay Gundogan both have to start – should see them grab a comfortable victory, and passage into the last 16.
Switzerland have been good value for their four points so far, but boy were they lucky to not concede a penalty against Serbia when two defenders tackled Aleksandar Mitrovic to the ground with the scores locked at 1-1. Still, they made the most of their luck and should be good enough to dispose of Costa Rica and seal a place in the round of 16. The Central Americans were far from poor against Brazil last Friday, but with their qualification chances gone and the side lacking much in attack, they could well fold in this final match.
Brazil were flattered by that 2-0 scoreline against Costa Rica, but – Neymar’s pathetic histrionics notwithstanding – they deserved the win and I can’t help but think it’ll kick start their campaign. This final group game should be an absolute belter. Serbia deserve better than to be on the brink of elimination, and while they could snatch the win required to grab a place in the last 16, Brazil will be too strong in this one.
Tips: Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Switzerland
The problem for Sweden is that they’ll have to come out and attack in this game, which will leave them vulnerable to Mexico’s superior counter-attacking, which should secure their spot in the next round.
Germany’s sensational win over Sweden should give them a lot of impetus going forward for the rest of the tournament, especially as Joachim Low seems to now recognise the Kroos-Khedira midfield doesn’t suit the side. As long as Khedira doesn’t start, Germany should win.
Likewise, the manner of Brazil’s late win will be a fillip for their World Cup. They seem to be getting better as each game goes on and they should have too much attacking quality for Serbia.
I personally was delighted Costa Rica conceded late after their dreadful play-acting against Brazil, so I’m actively tipping against them here in the hope of another defeat to completely invalidate that sort of behaviour.
Sweden, Germany, Brazil, Switzerland
Mexico have started the tournament with six points out of six but can’t afford to take it easy against Sweden in their final Group F game. A draw for Mexico will do, but a loss by two goals could send them home. Sweden performed strongly against Germany and were dangerous on the counter and at set pieces. Expect Sweden’s defence to monster the Mexicans and get the job done by one goal, which will not be enough for them to qualify for the knockout stage.
(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)
South Korea are one of the more ordinary teams of the tournament, the great strike by Son Heung-min against Mexico notwithstanding. Surprisingly, they can still qualify if they beat Germany by a few goals. But that seems unlikely against a revitalised Die Mannschafft who fought for every ball to beat Sweden at the death. I expect a cricket score with the Germans declaring at 5-0.
Serbia faded in their 1-2 loss to Switzerland in their last game. It is not a good sign going into their final group game against a Brazil that was less than convincing in scraping past Costa Rica. Can Brazil pull themselves out of their lethargy? There were signs at the end that Coutinho and Firminho were starting to click and I think Brazil might win a close one.
Switzerland, along with Croatia, are the most impressive of the European teams outside of the heavyweights. Xherdan Shaqiri is in hot form but at the time of writing, he faces the prospect of a two-match ban over his goal celebrations. Regardless of the outcome of any FIFA action, I think the Swiss will win, but not after a tough fight from a plucky Costa Rica who almost held on for a draw with Brazil.
| Day 14 | Stuart | Mike | Daniel | Tim | Paul | The Crowd |
| MEX v SWE | DRAW | DRAW | DRAW | MEX | SWE | MEX |
| KOR v GER | GER | GER | GER | GER | GER | GER |
| SUI v COS | SUI | SUI | SUI | SUI | SUI | SUI |
| SRB v BRA | BRA | BRA | BRA | BRA | BRA | BRA |
| Previous Total | 14 | 16 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 19 |
| Day 13 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| New Total | 16 | 18 | 20 | 17 | 18 | 21 |
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