FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 - Group E

This should be a walk in the park for Brazil, even if Neymar is not on 100% fit. The canarinha is facing an old Costa Rica and two of the least solid european sides.

Brazil and Switzerland met once in a World Cup, a 2-2 draw in 1950. The verde amarela has won three friendlies (2-0 in 1980, 2-1 in 1983 and 2006), the Swiss Army has two wins (1-0 in 1989 and 2013) and also two 1-1 draws. Brazil beated Costa Rica twice in World Cups: 1-0 in 1990 and 5-2 in 2002, also twice in the Panamerican Championships of 1956 and 1960 and three friendlies. The ticos enjoyed a 3-0 victory in the Panamerican Championship of 1960.

Brazil clashed four times in World Cups with Serbia, back when they played as Yugoslavia. Brazil won 2-0 in 1950, Yugoslavia 2-1 in 1930 and they drew twice (1-1 in 1954 and 0-0 in 1974). The 5 time Champions won nine out of 10 friendlies (only one against the current Serbia: 1-0 in 2014).

For Serbia it will be the first match against Costa Rica, while as Yugoslavia they beated Switzerland 3-0 during the 1950 World Cup. Finally, Switzerland and Costa Rica played two friendlies with one victory each.

Costa Rica was a penalty shootout to qualify for the semifinals in 2014, but is practicly the same squad 4 years older. I believe the second place will be decided between Serbia and the Swiss.

What do you think?