If previous World Cups are anything to go by, it would be unwise to bet against Germany while Mexico will qualify from their group only to be knocked out in the round of 16.

Joachim Low’s side are of course the reigning champions and have reached five of the last nine World Cup finals. After being knocked out in the quarter-finals in 1994 and 1998 they have made it through to the semi-finals in each of the last four tournaments and it would be a surprise not to see them reach that stage again in Russia.

Germany 3.25 to reach the World Cup final

Recent friendly performances have not been great but the Germans have the happy knack of peaking at the right time and an opening match against Mexico will hold no fears for them.

Mexico have been knocked out in the round of 16 in each of the last six World Cups and, as they will probably face Brazil if they get through their group, that would appear to be a likely scenario again.

Germany 6.75 to beat Mexico 2-0

Mexico reached the semi-finals of last summer’s Confederations Cup and their final Group F match against Sweden on 27th June looks set to be the decisive match in the section.

Mexico will probably try to make Sunday’s match in Moscow a damage-limitation exercise and may be satisfied with a narrow defeat.

Timo Werner 15.00 top World Cup goalscorer

The Mexicans’ warm-up performances have been poor and they were booed from the pitch after their mediocre display in the 1-0 victory against Scotland. They have also lost to Croatia and Denmark recently as well as being held to a goalless draw by Wales.

Juan Carlos Osorio’s men have failed to score in those four matches and are unlikely to trouble Germany’s extremely well-drilled defence.

It is difficult to see anything other than a routine Germany win this weekend as Low’s side warm up for more testing encounters ahead.