Two more tournament favourites had disappointing openers at the 2018 Men’s World Cup on SUN 17 JUN 2018.

• Costa Rica 00-01 Serbia: Hoping for a repeat of their 2014 quarterfinal run, the Ticos found Serbia to be more than a match. Nine minutes into the second half, Serbia’s Aleksandar KOLAROV stepped up for a free kick just outside the area, and with a perfectly placed strike that curled over the wall and slipped inside the near post, he found the only goal of the match.
• Germany 00-01 Mexico: The defending champions stumbled out of the gate as Mexico opened brightly. The relentless attack from El Tri paid off with a 35th minute goal by Hirving LOZANO, and though Germany were on the offensive throughout the remainder of the match, a solid Mexico defense led by keeper Guillermo OCHOA held firm. Mexico take the early lead in Group F, with Sweden and Korea Rep playing tomorrow.
• Brazil 01-01 Switzerland: The Verdeamarelhos controlled proceedings early, and a stunner by Philippe COUTINHO gave them a deserved lead in the 20th minute. But many of their attacking opportunities were wasted – only five of their 21 shot attempts were on target – and that left the door open for Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, Steven ZUBER’s header off a corner levelled proceedings, and the Swiss held on for a valuable point. The result leaves Serbia as Group E leaders after one matchday, with Brazil facing Costa Rica and Serbia meeting Switzerland on Friday.