IT'S unlikely that you’re going to watch all the group games at this World Cup, so let Owen Maers be your guide to five games we think you’ll enjoy…

Portugal v Spain - today (June 15, 7pm)

What some are calling the true World Cup opener, these two titans of international football face off in their opening match in Group B.

The last time these sides met was in the semi-final of the 2012 European Championships, and a penalty shootout saw Spain progress to the final which they would go on to win.

However, Spain are now in crisis mode, sacking manager Julen Lopetegui two days before the tournament started and replacing him with former Spain international Fernando Hierro.

Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal team-mates will certainly fancy their chances as reigning European champions, and will be hoping to start their World Cup campaign on the front foot.

Germany v Mexico - Sunday, June 17 (4pm)

Defending world champions Germany will be amongst the favourites for this tournament, with an array of talent to choose from.

This match will be played in Moscow’s 81,000-seater Luzhniki Stadium – making it one of the largest football stadiums in Europe.

Germany will likely dominate this match, with stars such as Timo Werner and Jonas Hector making their World Cup debuts.

Mexico will expect to progress from the group nonetheless, with Sweden and South Korea their other opponents.

Somerset County Gazette:

DEADLY DUO: Sergio Aguero (left) and Lionel Messi will look to fire Argentina past Croatia. Pic: AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan

Argentina v Croatia - Thursday, June 21 (7pm)

The mighty Argentina will be led by captain and talisman Lionel Messi, who will have his eyes fixated on that first World Cup trophy this summer.

Despite being one of the greatest players of all time, Messi has yet to win any silverware with his national team – placing him very much in the shadow of Diego Maradona for most Argentinians.

Croatia could be dark horses in this tournament, with an experienced squad and arguably one of the best midfields out of all the nations competing.

This match should be a very open, attacking contest and promises plenty of goals.

Serbia v Brazil - Wednesday, June 27 (7pm)

What is there to say about Brazil that hasn’t been said already?

Almost everyone loves the Brazilian national team, as they play with such flair, trickery and passion that it borders on being an art form.

The Seleção are most people’s favourites for the tournament this time around, despite the 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany just four years ago.

This Brazil team has seemingly bonded over such a traumatic defeat and come out stronger.

Neymar will be the poster boy for Brazil once again, but this time aided by Gabriel Jesus and Philippe Coutinho in attempting to win their first World Cup in 16 years.

On the other hand, Serbia will be more than happy to spoil the Samba party; a team known for their robust, defensive nature could prove to be a hard barrier to break, even for the invention of Brazil.

Somerset County Gazette:

TALENT: Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku... all danger men for Belgium against England. Pic: AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert

England v Belgium - Thursday, June 28 (7pm)

Just 24 hours later, you can tune into England’s last group game and what will likely be the deciding match when it comes to who tops Group G.

Belgium’s golden generation are still seen as outsiders for the tournament, probably due to the fact former Everton manager Roberto Martinez is at the helm and they’ve looked vulnerable defensively.

However, there is no denying talent; Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are names that roll off the tongue but there are so many more besides.

As for England, hopes are high while expectations are simultaneously low.

Gareth Southgate is leading a new, young England side into the foray of international football – attempting to leave behind the baggage of previous tournament failures.

Harry Kane will captain the side and could be in high spirits going into this match, should he find the net against Tunisia and Panama in the two previous games.