Day 4: Favorites fail to impress

Belgium plays their first match against Panama today at 17h. Given the fact it is the first ever match for Panama on a World Cup, we are all without a doubt Belgium will win this match. But we if take a look at the matches of the so-called top nations so far, they are all struggling. Yesterday, both Brazil and Germany didn't manage to win their opening match.

Brazil opened their World Cup campaign in the evening against Switzerland. Brazil entered the tournaments as almost anyone's top favorites. Their line up against Switzerland looked very impressive on paper. Even though Switzerland are number 6 on the FIFA Ranking and beat Portugal in the qualifications, no one gave them too much chances to get a result against Brazil. But Brazil gave an uninspired performance. A strong spell between the 10th and 20th minute was rounded up with a fabulous goal from Coutinho, but the strike from the Barcelona midfielder was one of the few moments of magic Brazil produced. Switzerland found the perfect recipe to neutralize Neymar, the same way Iceland did with Messi. The Brazilian star will need a few more matches to find his best form again. Switzerland equalized quickly in the second period, although Brazilian fans will argue that Zuber's header was preceded by a push in the back of Miranda. And in my opinion, they have a case. Brazil did create a lot of chances in the end to win it, but their good football took to long too arrive. A warning for Brazil that they can't take their group too lightly. In the other match, Serbia got a deserved win against Costa Rica, who didn't look like the team anymore that reached the quarter finals 4 years ago (although the players haven't changed). Brazil shouldn't get themselves into too much trouble against Costa Rica, but we thought the same of their match against Switzerland. The match between Serbia and Switzerland can become a very interesting one as well.

In between the two matches of Group E, Germany kicked off their campaign against Mexico, probably their biggest opponent of the group. Their poor preparation gave Germany some doubts and worries, but normally when Germany has to perform, they are ready. An enthusiastic Mexico made Germany sweat right from the start. With quick outbreaks, they tried to hurt Germany with their pace. That plan worked to perfection when Lozano opened the score 10 minutes before the break. PSV Eindhoven can already ask a few millions extra for their young winger after the World Cup, because there is no doubt that clubs will wait impatiently to bring him in. Germany was dangerous through a free kick of Kroos, but goalkeeper Ochoa saved it with help of the bar. Germany pushed Mexico towards their own goal for the whole second half, but Mexico defended the advantage like their lives depended on it. Substitute Julian Brandt came the closest, but his attempt hit the post. Mexico held on for the biggest upset so far in the tournament. Mexico is now in pole position to get the first place in the group. For Germany, it is already code red: a face-off with Brazil in the round of 16 has suddenly become a very plausible reality.