World Cup Group F preview: Key stats, info and odds

Mexico

Manager: Interestingly, Juan Carlos Osorio was a former conditioning coach under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. However, the 57-year-old has won four titles in Colombia and managed Sao Paulo in Brazil.

Best World Cup result: Quarter-finals (1970, 1986)

How they play: Osorio relies on tactical fluidity to get the best out of this Mexico squad. But they generally play with a withdrawn striker to make them difficult to break down and maintain possession more easily.

One to watch: Hirving Lozano. The 22-year-old PSV Eindhoven winger has had a tremendous season in the Eredivisie scoring 16 goals from the left-wing. He’s tipped to make a big impression in Russia.

Things to consider: Mexico have had their pre-tournament issues before and this year is no different. A number of the squad were reportedly joined by around 30 women at a late night party after their weekend win over Scotland. The Mexican media have been scrutinising the events closely.

Odds to qualify from group: 5/6

Odds to win the tournament: 100/1

Sweden

Manager: Before taking the national team job, Janne Anderson led IFK Norrkoping to the 2015 Allsvenskan title ahead of Swedish giants Malmo.

Best World Cup result: Finalists in 1958.

How they play: After Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s retirement, Andersson went back to basics. He got the side to go back to hard-working, in-your-face football. They’re all about tactical solidity and playing on the break.

One to watch: Emil Forsberg. The RB Leipzig ace has been a Bundesliga revelation and has been strongly linked with Arsenal. Most of Sweden’s attacking midfield play will go through the 26-year-old.

Things to consider: Ola Toivonen is Sweden’s main man up top but a big worry has been his lack of game-time for club side Toulouse. The 31-year-old likes to drop deep and link up play but his sharpness could be in question.

Odds to qualify from group: 11/8

Odds to win the tournament: 150/1

South Korea

Manager: Shin Tae-yong took over from the sacked Uli Stielike near the end of a mediocre qualification campaign and guided the Taeguk Warriors to Russia. The 49-year-old has risen through the South Korea ranks having managed the U-23 side.

Best World Cup result: Semi-finals in 2002.

How they play: Quick transitions and fast counter-attacking is a staple of South Korean football. Expect waves of attacks that you’d see in a Bundesliga game.

One to watch: Son Heung-min. It’s an obvious one, but the hopes of the nation will rest upon the Tottenham Hotspur forward’s shoulders.

Things to consider: Defensively, South Korea can tend to be a bit of a shambles at times. A simple ball over the top can often cause carnage. Another issue is where to play Son. His best performances for the national team have come up top in a front-two. But he may be employed on the left of a flat-midfield four to shoehorn more attacking quality into the side.

Odds to qualify from group: 10/3

Odds to win the tournament: 750/1

Big match previews, betting tips and transfer news – we’ve got it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing