World Cup holders Germany saw their bid to defend the crown they won in Brazil four years get off to the worst possible start as they slumped to a shock 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening fixture in Group F
Hirving Lozano’s first-half goal left Joachim Low’s men rocking on their heels and the Germans were unable to find a response in what was a thrilling clash in Moscow.
City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan was on the substitutes’ bench but wasn’t called upon by Low.
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Meanwhile Gabriel Jesus, Danilo and Fernandinho were also left frustrated as Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Group E opponents Switzerland in another surprise result in Rostov.
Phillipe Coutinho’s sensational first-half curled shot had given the five-time champions a 20th minute lead.
But the Swiss proved tough opponents and Steven Zuber’s 50th minute header drew them level with the South American giants unable to force a winner.
Gabriel Jesus and Danilo started for Brazil with Fernandinho coming on as a second half substitute.
Earlier in the first match of the day, former City defender Aleksandar Kolarov struck a magnificent free-kick to earn Serbia a crucial 1-0 victory over Costa Rica in their opening Group E encounter.
Serbian skipper Kolarov gave Real Madrid keeper Kaylor Navas no chance with a sublime effort from 25 yards as he curled the ball over the Costa Rican wall.
There are three matches taking place today with the City focus firmly trained on the two matches in Group G as England and Belgium get their campaigns up and running.
Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker, John Stones and Fabian Delph all hope to figure for England in their clash against Tunisia which kicks-off in Volgograd at 7pm, with the game being screened live on BBC 1.
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Etihad colleague Kevin De Bruyne, meanwhile is expected to be a key figure for Belgium who begin their Russia 2018 schedule against Panama in Sochi.
Kick-off there is 4pm with the action also being screened live on BBC 1.
The opening match of a busy Monday takes place in Nizhny Novgorad at 1pm when Sweden and South Korea meet in Group F. ITV will screen the match live.
Sunday’s results:
Serbia 1-0 Costa Rica
Mexico 1-0 Germany
Brazil 1-1 Switzerland
Monday’s fixtures:
1pm Sweden v South Korea ITV
4pm Belgium v Panama BBC
7pm England v Tunisia BBC
