Two teams from Group I, Yugoslavia and France, played the opening game in Lausanne. In the 15th minute, Milutinovic scored the goal of the day for the Yugoslavs 1-0 victory. Then Brazil had to prevail against the outsider from Mexico, which succeeded convincingly with a 5-0 victory. The clash between the two winners of the first match day, Brazil and Yugoslavia, turned out to be an exciting game. After 120 minutes, the score was 1: 1 through the goals of the later, two-time world champion Didi and the later Bundesliga coach Branko Zebec. Both teams were thus qualified, because France's 3-2 victory over Mexico at the same time did not help the French to advance. In the end, Yugoslavia won the group by drawing lots ahead of the Brazilians with the same number of points.
Germany had to compete with the strong Yugoslavs and was considered an outsider. An unfortunate own goal by Horvat gave the Germans the lead after nine minutes. Then began a defensive battle against the incessantly attacking Yugoslavs. But luck and skill in the person of the outstanding Toni Turek in the goal of the Germans helped to overcome the immense pressure of the opponent. A counterattack in the 85th minute brought the 2-0 through Helmut Rahn , the surprise was perfect.