A surprise package from North America, two tireless European battlers and a top nation looking for redemption. Group E holds Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia and Brazil, football nations with an abundance of history, but here are some things you probably didn't know about the titans in Group E.
7. A first time for everything
Renato Augusto is the first Brazilian to be picked for the World Cup Finals playing his club football in China. Augusto is frontman for Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan and played in every single qualifying match for The Selecao, scoring three goals.
8. It's a long road to the top
Brazil, Costa Rica and Serbia all qualified automatically for the World Cup after finishing top of their groups. Switzerland was the only team to have to endure the play-offs after finishing second in their group. They needed only one goal in Belfast and a 0-0 draw at home to secure their place at the big dance at the expense of Northern Ireland.
9. Campeoes
Brazil have now qualified for every single World Cup to-date. That’s all 21 editions of the World Cup! In that time they’ve been winners on five occasions.
10. Young Blood
Serbian head coach Mladen Krstajic is the equal second-youngest manager at this year’s tournament at 44 years of age. He shares the crown with Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.
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