Korea Republic vs Germany
Germany is bracing itself for the pace offered by South Korea's attack in its crucial final World Cup Group F clash, with Timo Werner particularly wary of Son Heung-min.
Joachim Low's side came back from the brink in its previous outing against Sweden, ultimately winning 2-1 after falling behind in the first half. A defeat would have sent Germany packing, but Toni Kroos' sumptuous late strike saw it move level on three points with Sweden.
Its final group outing in Kazan on Wednesday is vital for both sides, as Korea — despite losing its first two games — can still qualify with a victory if it beats Germany by more than two goals and Mexico defeats Sweden.
Mexico vs Sweden
Guillermo Ochoa feels it is only right that Mexico fans are finally backing Juan Carlos Osorio ahead of the match against Sweden in Ekaterinburg on Wednesday.
Supporters had often voiced their considerable displeasure with the head coach amid a series of inconsistent performances during his tenure, including a humiliating 7-0 Copa America defeat to Chile in 2016, followed by the shock 1-0 loss to Jamaica in the semifinals of last year's Gold Cup.
That fraught relationship has been transformed into a love affair in Russia, where Mexico stunned World Cup holder Germany and then dispatched South Korea 2-1 to close in on a place in the round of 16.
Serbia vs Brazil
Aleksandar Mitrovic is hoping the fear of failure will pile the pressure on Brazil and provide Serbia with a route through to the World Cup knockout stages.
The seemingly unthinkable prospect of Brazil exiting the tournament at the group phase will become reality if Serbia overcomes the five-time champion in Moscow and Switzerland secures at least a point against Costa Rica.
That scenario would create a wave of criticism for Tite and his players, and Mitrovic is hoping Serbia can exploit Brazilian nerves at Spartak Stadium.
Switzerland vs Costa Rica
Michael Lang insists the Switzerland camp is more united than ever ahead of Wednesday's key World Cup clash with Costa Rica in Nizhny Novgorod. A win for Vladimir Petkovic's side would guarantee its place in the last 16, while a draw would likely be enough if Serbia does not beat Group E leader Brazil.
Switzerland moved into second spot with an impressive 2-1 victory over Serbia in Kaliningrad, although significant controversy emerged from that clash.
Goalscorers Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka are each facing FIFA disciplinary action after celebrating with a gesture that appeared to mimic the flag of Albania. Both players are of Kosovar-Albanian descent, but the celebrations were viewed by some as deliberately provocative towards Serbia, a country that does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state.
The incidents also prompted some backlash from Swiss fans on social media, with the national team comprising several players either born in or with parents from other countries. But Basel defender Lang says the criticism serves only to bring the players closer together in their hunt for a place in the knockout phase.
Two matches — Korea Republic versus Germany, and Serbia versus Brazil — will be telecast live on SONY ESPN and TEN 2, while the rest will be broadcast on TEN 1.
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