Group G - Brazil's attacking fireworks, never-better Serbia seek revenge against the Xhaka's gang, and Cameroon hoping for the first WC win in 20 years

If Costa Rica hadn't been allocated to Group E, but here instead of Cameroon, it would be a complete replica of the group from the 2018 World Cup in Russia. The same trio (Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland) is here, and only the Indomitable Lions make a difference compared to the previous tournament, only this time with a significant improvement regarding Serbia, who's hoping for a much better result.

BRAZIL

No wonder the Selecao are one of the title contenders, let alone the favourites to win Group G. Their biggest virtue must be that juicy attacking line comprised of nine (9, yes!) formidable, incredible forwards. Their coach Tite faces the toughest challenge in how to pick the starting XI when he's got Neymar, Vinicius Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Richarlison, Antony, Rodrygo, and Gabriel Martinelli at his disposal. Breathtaking, indeed!

What worries five-time World Cup winners is the balance of this side and - as someone pointed out - the nasty habit of winning by significant margins. Or, to make a long story short - what's it gonna be if the tables turn and their rivals break the deadlock?

Four years ago, they had no problems with Serbia or Switzerland but were shown the exit doors as soon as they ran into Belgium in the 1/4 finals.

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The defence is holding onto Liverpool's custodian Alisson Becker and PSG's sweeper Marquinhos, while the keys of the midfield are in the hands of Manchester United's smooth operator Casemiro.

Anything except for their group win could cause a lot of problems for Brazil, especially bearing in mind the fact they're about to face the Group H contestants (Portugal, Uruguay, Ghana, South Korea) in the Round of 16.

SERBIA

Dark horses. That's how some pundits label this perfectly-balanced South European side, led by the once-magical midfielder Dragan Stojkovic. The charismatic gaffer has led them to the World Cup in a memorable fashion - by topping Portugal on their soil in the ultimate qualifiers tie.

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The man who scored the World Cup visa-worth goal, Aleksandar Mitrovic, has enjoyed a magic season so far with his Fulham in the Premier League. Moreover, he'll probably be paired up with another sensational, versatile striker, Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic. Such an attacking duo will cause a severe threat to all keepers and defenders in the group.

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But the Serbian Eagles are much more than just Vlahovic and Mitrovic, with the majority of their midfielders and defenders playing significant roles in various Serie A, Ligue 1 and LaLiga sides.

Four years ago, they lost to Switzerland in a do-or-die game, and this Qatar tournament is a perfect opportunity for vengeance served cold.

SWITZERLAND

So, basically, unlike Serbia, everyone there is hoping for the exact same outcome as in Russia in 2018. A possible and expected defeat to Brazil doesn't concern them too much, as two wins - against Serbia and Cameroon - could make all the difference and push them straight to the Round of 16.

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Arsenal's mainstay Granit Xhaka is still the driving force of this team, and much of their WC hopes are based on a trust in both his playing and motivational skills.

That opening game against Cameroon will define the entire tournament for the Swiss side, and with Serbia waiting for them behind the corner, it wouldn't be a surprise to see them leave Qatar with 0 points in the bag.

CAMEROON

This will be the eighth WC appearance for the Indomitable Lions, with the previous two - in 2010 and 2014 - resulting in horrible outcomes. Both of these times, they lost all three games, ending the tournaments as the second-worst and the worst side.

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Their last World Cup victory came 20 years ago, in 2002, when Samuel Eto'o and his teammates topped Saudi Arabia 1-0.

Now, with Eto'o in charge of the FECAFOOT, Cameroon are looking for major success on the biggest stage of all.

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They rely pretty much on experienced players like keeper Onana, Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, and Napoli's unplayable playmaker Zambo Anguissa.

WORLD CUP - GROUP G

Thursday, Nov 24th

13:00: (1.75) Switzerland (3.45) Cameroon (5.20)

22:00: (1.48) Brazil (4.20) Serbia (7.25)

Monday, Nov 28th

13:00: (4.20) Cameroon (3.35) Serbia (1.95)

19:00: (1.50) Brazil (4.10) Switzerland (7.00)

Friday, Dec 2nd

22:00: (11.0) Cameroon (5.20) Brazil (1.30)

22:00: (2.60) Serbia (3.40) Switzerland (2.70)

***odds are subject to change