2018 FIFA World Cup Group F Preview: Schedule Timetable With Match Dates, Venues & Kick-Off Times in IST of Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea in Football WC

Defending champions Germany is the star attraction of Group F of 2018 FIFA World Cup, which is being labelled by many as the Group of Death. The presence of Sweden, Mexico and South Korea coupled with Germany’s poor run of form makes it a very keenly contested group. Mexico and Sweden are two sides who generally play well in group games of the World Cup and have somehow made it past the first stage in the past on several occasions. Hence, the champions will have to be at their best if they want to start the defense of their title in style. Group F of the 2018 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 17 and last until 27. Here’s a look at 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F (Germany, Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea) schedule timetable including match dates, venues, and kick-off time. 2018 FIFA World Cup Schedule in IST for PDF Download: Fixtures, Groups, Time Table with Matches in Indian Time & Venue Details of Football WC in Russia.

This is German coach Joachim Loew’s third World Cup as the head coach and he has seen many players come and go but one thing he has always managed to achieve is grinding out the result. He left out big names such as Mario Gotze, Leroy Sane and Andre Schurrle. Sane’s chopping from the squad, in particular, has raised a lot of eyebrows. But, Loew is a man who has delivered and has the backing of the squad hence he has remained unfazed despite the controversy. The fitness of old warhorse Mesut Ozil though is a big worry though, and his absence would mean Toni Kroos will have extra responsibilities on his shoulder. Skipper Manuel Neuer is back and took part in the friendlies.

Sweden, who knocked out Italy in the qualifiers, has earned itself the tag of big match performers and giant killers. They will be fearless in Russia as they seem to have already exceeded expectation by reaching the World Cup 2018. They are capable of beating anyone if they clicked, which makes their matches a very even contest. Players like Victor Lindelof and Mikel Lustig are well known in the European circuit and add to the Swedish firepower.

Mexico is the best team of North America, and with the scars of that controversial round of 16 loss to Holland in Brazil 2014 still fresh, this could be the motivating factor for them when they step out on the field in Russia. In goal, they have one of the star names of 2014, Guillermo Ochoa whose heroics meant he is now part of the Mexican folklore. Rafael Marquez, who seems to be around the Mexican squad for eternity will make his fifth World Cup appearance at the age of 39. Hector Herrera is Mexico’s main man and one that is tasked with controlling the tempo of the game. They also have a very bright young player in Hirving Lozano who is making quite a name for himself in world football.

After a below par qualifying campaign, industrious South Korea could not have hoped for a tougher group than the one they are placed in Russia. But playing on the biggest stage means you always come up against the best some or the other stage. Swansea midfielder Ki Sung-Yeung brings quality on the pitch for South Korea and so will Augsburg's Koo Ja Cheol. Yong winger Le Seung Woo has been shown a lot of faith by the team management and he will love to repay some of it on the pitch.

Group F of 2018 FIFA World Cup Timetable: List of Matches with Kick-off Times

Group F Prediction

The German engine will step it up in the group stage as has been the case in the past and should finish this group as winners. They may not win all three of their games with Sweden and Mexico both having the firepower to deny them all three points. South Korea may not be able to withstand the pressure their opposition will put them under, and qualification looks like a bridge too far for the Asian side. Coming two the two challengers for the second spot, Mexico is technically more superior to Sweden, but if Sweden can disrupt their opponents game’s in Russia, they can pull off yet another miracle. Teams that progress from the Group – Germany and Mexico.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 11, 2018 12:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).