Due to the predefined World Cup brackets, two of the tournament's favorites could lock horns a lot earlier than expected.

Our permutations analysis now sees us take a look at the next two World Cup groups: E and F. With all the teams in both groups having played their opening games, round two is now right around the corner for the participants.

On one side, we have Brazil battling it out with Serbia, Switzerland, and Costa Rica. On the other side, we have a Germany side that faces a more difficult task than initially thought against the likes of Mexico, Sweden, and South Korea.

Who will meet who in the next round? Here we explore the possible outcomes, as the knockout stage draws closer by the day.

Group E and F standings

Brazil National Team, Serbia National Team, Switzerland National Team, Costa Rica National Team, Germany National Team, Mexico National Team, Sweden National Team, South Korea National Team, FIFA World Cup 

What are the brackets for the round of 16?

There will be no draw to determine who will face who in the next round. As is the case with all the other groups, pre-defined brackets mean the winner of Group E will face the runner-up of Group F. Similarly, the winner of Group F will get the second-placed side of the preceding group.

July 2: Winner of Group E vs runner-up of Group F

July 3: Winner of Group F vs runner-up of Group E

Who's competing for qualification and who's out?

Group E

Although Brazil was tipped to cruise through this group, their 1-1 draw with Switzerland in their opening game means they trail Serbia, who leads the group courtesy of their 1-0 win over Costa Rica. Nonetheless, the Selecao is still the favorite to progress while Serbia and Switzerland will battle it out to join them in the next round.

Group F

This group also sees the favorite trailing behind. Many predicted Germany to win nine points out of a possible nine in the group stage but a shock loss to Mexico means die Mannschaft sits behind both El Tri and Sweden. Regardless, the 2014 champion should make it through alongside one of the top two.

Could Brazil face Germany as early as the round of 16?

Could we be set for a Brazil vs Germany rematch as early as the round of 16? It is possible due to the events that occurred in Group F.

Mexico's victory over Low's men means they are in pole position to win the group. First, they face South Korea, a team which they should overcome. Finally, the CONCACAF side will lock horns with Sweden.

El Tri needs only four points to put themselves out of reach for Germany. Kroos and Co. will need to win their two remaining games to qualify, but that might likely not be enough to leapfrog Chicharito and Co.

Meanwhile, Brazil could easily win their group. They were unfortunate to concede the equalizing goal against Switzerland as Miranda had been fouled, but six points from their remaining two group games should be enough. The Selecao takes on Costa Rica first, which should be an easy three points, before locking horns with Serbia.

Should Tite's side win their group, this would set up an exciting knockout stage clash with the 2014 World Cup champion. It's definitely not what everyone expected, but no one would be disappointed by this match-up.