Mitch Freeley You can watch the stream of Serbia Vs Brazil Live & Exclusive on beIN SPORTS CONNECT. Match Report Paulinho and Thiago Silva earned Brazil a largely comfortable 2-0 victory over Serbia that clinched top spot in World Cup Group E and eliminated Mladen Krstajic's side. Brazil's win set up a last-16 meeting with Mexico in Samara on Monday, while it is Switzerland, not Serbia, who will take on Sweden in St Petersburg the following day after drawing 2-2 with Costa Rica. Tite's side left it late to get past Costa Rica on Friday, but they only had to wait 36 minutes for the opener in Moscow, Paulinho stabbing over Vladimir Stojkovic off a magnificent pass from Philippe Coutinho. It was Paulinho's eighth goal since Tite took the helm in 2016 and brought his former Corinthians star back into the set-up, with only Neymar and Gabriel Jesus (10) scoring more for Brazil in the same timeframe. The Barcelona midfielder was replaced by the more defensive Fernandinho in the 66th minute as Serbia went on the attack in a bid to save their World Cup campaign. But Silva, the former captain who was shunned following Brazil's failure to lift the World Cup on home soil four years ago, wrapped up the win and kept hopes of an unprecedented sixth title alive. The Selecao started positively, but had to replace Marcelo with Filipe Luis, who only returned from a broken leg last month, in the 10th minute, the Real Madrid left-back grimacing as he hobbled down the tunnel with what was later confirmed to be a back spasm. Jesus proved lively with runs in behind the Serbia defence and his endeavour created a chance for Neymar, whose cross-goal strike was pushed away by Stojkovic. Manchester City striker Jesus was caught on the ankle by Sergej Milinkovic-Savic in the process, but it did not appear to hinder him when he cut inside of Milos Veljkovic and saw his shot blocked behind by Nikola Milenkovic. Adem Ljajic earned a yellow card for a late challenge on Neymar, the Paris Saint-Germain star receiving more rough treatment, and Aleksandar Mitrovic missed the target with an acrobatic attempt in the 34th minute. The breakthrough came two minutes later and it went the way of Brazil. Filip Kostic did not track the run of Paulinho, who raced between two defenders and poked Coutinho's delivery beyond the onrushing Stojkovic. Neymar had a low drive kept out by Stojkovic at the near post after a swift break five minutes into the second period, and Serbia responded by turning up the pressure. Antonio Rukavina, who started in place of the experienced Branislav Ivanovic, saw his shot pushed into the danger area by Alisson and the goalkeeper was relieved to see Silva stop Mitrovic nodding the loose ball home. A speculative cross from Milinkovic-Savic had Alisson scrambling, while Mitrovic headed a cross from Rukavina straight at the feet of the keeper in the 65th minute. Tite replaced Paulinho with Fernandinho as he sought greater stability, but it was Silva, capitalising on shoddy marking from Nemanja Matic, heading home at the near post from Neymar's left-wing corner two minutes later that truly gave him that. The wind was taken out of Serbia's sails and Brazil confidently saw out the final stages, Stojkovic doing well to thwart Neymar in stoppage time as the Selecao avoided the humiliating group-stage exit that befell fellow heavyweights and defending champions Germany earlier in the day. Live Updates Goals/Highlights Thiago Silva makes it comfortable! 36 - Paulinho (Brazil) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Coutinho with a through ball. Preview Serbia needs to pull off a big result against Brazil if the European side is to reach the round of sixteen for the first time as an independent nation. Despite losing 2-1 to Switzerland in the second group game, confidence will be high in Mladen Krstajić’s squad that they can get the job done against the Selecao. The contest against Switzerland was full of controversy, not to mention the politically sensitive celebrations from players Granit Xhaka & Xherdan Shaqiri which has garnered fines from FIFA. Serbia will now have to put that all aside and concentrate on Brazil. Aleksandar Mitrović scored his first goal of the World Cup against Switzerland, and the Fulham will be relishing the battle against Brazil. The tall striker is a real handful at set pieces, something Brazil struggled with when taking on Switzerland in their opening group game. Six players have bookings for Serbia but Krstajić is likely to go with a full-strength team heading into this crunch match. Serbia Predicted Team Vladimir Stojkovic; Branislav Ivanovic, Nikola Milenkovic, Dusko Tosic, Aleksandar Kolarov; Nemanja Matic, Luka Milivojevic; Dusan Tadic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Adem Ljajic; Aleksandar Mitrovic How to watch Online- beIN SPORTS CONNECT TV Channel- MAX HD3 Kick-off- 21:00 Stadium-Spartak Stadium, Moscow As for Brazil, they just need a draw to progress to the knockout stages. Tite’s side is now up and running at the World Cup after two stoppage-time goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar put a spirited Costa Rica side to the sword. Neymar broke down in tears at the final whistle of the game, which the PSG man attributed to his joy at recovering from his broken metatarsal. After the tears, the playmaker must now deliver and score the goals to get the Selecao through to the knock out stages. Tite will have one choice to make at right back and see if Man City man Danielo has recovered from his injury to replace Fagner in the side. After impressing in his cameo against Costa Rica, Liverpool attacker Roberto Firmino could also be pushing for a starting place. Brazil Predicted Team Allison; Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo; Casemiro, Paulinho; Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Neymar; Gabriel Jesus It promises to be a fascinating encounter as Serbia take on Brazil. Watch the Live & Exclusive stream of the game on MAX HD3 & beIN SPORTS CONNECT.<doc-sep>Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates HERE for the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates SUBSCRIBE Invalid email Sign upfor the latest MUFC breaking news and transfer updates When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Brazil comfortably reached the World Cup last 16 after Paulinho and Thiago Silva scored in each half to give them a 2-0 win over Serbia who were eliminated. The five-times world champions finished top of Group E with seven points and will face Mexico in the second round. Serbia ended in third place with three points. Paulinho broke the deadlock in the 36th minute when he timed his run perfectly to reach Philippe Coutinho's lofted through pass and flick the ball over goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic. Serbia forward Aleksandar Mitrovic had two excellent chances to equalise with close-range headers in the second half before Brazil defender Thiago Silva sealed the game with a near-post header from a corner in the 68th minute. BRAZIL 2-0 SERBIA - PAULINHO (34), SILVA (67) Brazil XI: Becker, Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Casemiro, Paulinho, Coutinho, Willian, Jesus, Neymar. Serbia XI: Stoikovic, Rukavina, Milenkovic, Veljkovic, Kolarov, Milinkovic-Savic, Matic, Tadic, Ljajic, Kostic, Mitrovic. Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates BRAZIL 2-0 SERBIA FT: Done and dusted. Brazil have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Serbia, who are now eliminated. 93: Stojkovic vs Neymar: The never-ending battle. The FK Partizan goalkeeper has foiled the Brazilian for the umpteenth time when saving low at his near post. 92: So by my calculations, we have 14 of our final 16 sides decided. Group H, that contains Colombia, Japan, Senegal and Poland will be sewn up tomorrow afternoon. 90: Three minutes of added time. 89: Josip Drmic gives Switzerland the lead against Costa Rica in the dying minutes. It doesn’t change anything in Group E, Brazil will still be winners. GOAL! Neymar's whipped in corner finds the run of Thiago Silva at the near post who powers in a header pic.twitter.com/HGwrXgtv0D — ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2018 86: Neymar with his hands on his head as a fortuitous deflections sends him through. Stojkovic channels his inner Schmeichel by coming off his line with all limbs flying to swat it away. 83: Willian plucks a crossfield ball out of the sky before cutting it back to Neymar, who thumps it straight into the ground. 80: Philippe Coutinho trots off. Tite is protecting the Barcelona playmaker with Renato Augusto coming on for the final 10 minutes. 78: This is like a procession for Neymar. Everyone’s passing him the ball as soon as they get it. On a separate note, If England finish second, as things stand then Gareth Southgate’s side will play Japan in the Last 16. The winner of that will then play. Switzerland or Sweden. 75: I think we’re done here. Thiago Silva’s header has completely knocked the stuffing out of Serbia, who really should have levelled things up. Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates 75: Both of Thiago Silva's goals at the World Cup finals have been from corner situations, with both assisted by Neymar (previously vs Colombia in 2014). 74: Who needs Marcelo, right? The corner rebounds out to Filipe Luis and the former Chelsea star thumps a half-volley that Stojkovic pushes clear. 71: Time for Neymar to open his boxes of tricks. He’s doing all sorts with the ball as he tees up Philippe Coutinho, who wins the corner. BRAZIL 2-0 SERBIA - SILVA 68: Game, set and match. Totally against the run of play, Brazil have doubled their tally and sent Serbia crashing out of the World Cup. Neymar sends a routine inswinger into the penalty area where the captain is waiting to thump past a motionless Stojkovic. 67: Paulinho off, Fernandinho on. Just before Tite made that substitution, Mitrovic rises high and heads down, where a grateful Alisson gathers. Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates 67: BRAZIL ON THE ROPES! Serbia just keep pushing and pushing in search of an equaliser. Dusan Tadic cuts it back for Mitrovic, who blasts wide. If Serbia can convert one of these, Brazil’s wobble will turn into a full collapse. They are offering nothing. 65: It’s one of those night for Serbia. Alisson dives to parry Rukavina’s wicked cross straight to Mitrovic. The striker heads it straight at Thiago Silva and the chance is gone. Nice bit of encouragement for Serbia. 63: Good news for Brazil. Costa Rica have equalised against Switzerland (1-1) to cement their place in the knockout stages. You heard me, lads. Now let the handbrake off! 60: Chance! Brazil break at lightning speed with Neymar. He’s ushered out to the left before his angled effort is blocked by Stojkovic. Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates 59: This is getting tasty now as the game begins to open up. Miranda doesn’t have a clue where he’s diverted Ljajic’s fizzed effort. Luckily for the Brazil, it goes over for a corner. 56: Ljajic and Tadic exchange a few nice passes but the Southampton midfielder, who’s just signed for Ajax actually, misplaces the crucial ball. 55: “Neymar wants to shine on the big stage like Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi,” says the ITV commentator. He’s right. The Brazil star is being far too ambitious every time he collects the ball. 53: Willian finally gets involved. he weaves his way to the byline before sending a fierce across that Veljkovic blocks. Not that he knew much about it. 50: Yellow card peril! Nemanja Matic will miss the last 16, should Serbia make it, having chopped Gabriel Jesus down. 47: Brazil’s official Twitter account has just released a statement about Marcelo’s withdrawal. They say that the Real Madrid star felt a spasm in his spine. He’s been medicated and is now fine. 45: And we’re back underway. Serbia need two unanswered goals to cause a seismic upset. The good news is that they’ve scored in all of their last 15 competitive fixtures. No changes from either side. GOAL! Coutinho chips a measured pass forward, Paulinho doesn't have to break stride and just lifts the ball over the onrushing keeper pic.twitter.com/KbfUXDHRa7 — ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 27, 2018 BRAZIL 1-0 SERBIA HT: They’ve not been at their scintillating best, but Brazil are doing enough to lead Group E at the break. A moment of genius from Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho's bloody long leg separate these two. 47: Neymar attempts a 25-yard curler but he’s skewed it wide. Leave those to Philippe, eh? 45: Two minutes of added time. This has been insanely scrappy since the opening goal. 43: Serbia win their fourth corner of the evening but another hopeless Ljajic cross is cleared by Casemiro. This Serbia side is MASSIVE, why can’t they deliver a decent set-piece?! 40: Philippe Coutinho has been directly involved in three of Brazil's four goals at World Cup 2018 (2 goals, 1 assist). Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates Brazil vs Serbia: Live World Cup score, goals and updates BRAZIL 1-0 SERBIA 37: Philippe Coutinho has nicked the limelight off Neymar. Deservedly so. Rather than throw himself on the floor constantly, he’s actually influencing play and creating opportunities. BRAZIL 1-0 SERBIA - PAULINHO 35: Switzerland’s lead at the top of Group E lasted all of five minutes as Brazil make the breakthrough. Philippe Coutinho sends a beautiful chipped cross over the Serbia defence and Paulinho flicks it over the onrushing Stojkovic. 34: Ljajic receives a booking for breathing on Neymar, who goes down like he’s been shot. Sill and unnecessary theatrics. Mitrovic, who I don’t think would mind me saying isn’t the most acrobatic of forwards, attempts an overhead kick from Tadic’s cross that flies over.<doc-sep>Some may say this is not a vintage Brazil team, not yet anyway. But they do have classic Brazilian traits. Coach Tite's team are talented yet capriciously vulnerable and isn't that just how we have always liked them? Here in the capital, Brazil took the victory they needed and they will face Mexico in the next stage in Samara. They were not always convincing, though, and this remains a tournament that feels as though it could throw them from the tracks at any moment. Happily, they remain beguiling to watch and will probably get better from hereon in. For all the noise about Neymar, Philippe Coutinho remains their heartbeat and the former Liverpool player was excellent once again here. If you are using the app, please click here to view today's blog. Privacy policy<doc-sep>
Sports Mole provides team news, predicted lineups and a full match preview of the crucial World Cup Group E clash between leaders Brazil and third-placed Serbia. Group E at the 2018 World Cup will come to a head on Wednesday with three teams still in with a chance of qualifying for the last 16. Two of those teams will face off at the Otkritie Arena when leaders Brazil host third-placed Serbia, with the pre-tournament favourites knowing that they simply have to avoid defeat to progress. Serbia © Reuters The task for Serbia on Wednesday is straightforward, but achieving it against a team like Brazil will be far from easy. The Eagles may have been encouraged by Brazil's underwhelming form so far at this World Cup, but they are now left in a position where they will likely need to beat the five-time world champions to progress. A draw would be enough should Switzerland lose to Costa Rica by two or more goals, but the Swiss are favourites in that match against the already-eliminated Central Americans and will name a full-strength team in order to ensure their own progress. Victory would guarantee their place in the last 16 for the very first time as an independent nation, though, adding even more weight to what would be a famous triumph in any scenario. Aleksandar Kolarov's stunning strike got Serbia's campaign off to an ideal start with victory over Costa Rica, and they would have been well on course for the last 16 had they held out against Switzerland in their second match. A draw against the Swiss would have left them joint-top of the group on four points with Brazil, but Xherdan Shaqiri's 90th-minute winner ensured that they dropped down to third place, with just one point now separating those top three. In their former guise as Yugoslavia, Serbia qualified from the group stages of a World Cup three out of four times after winning their opening game - doing so in 1930, 1954 and 1998 - but the odds are now against them to achieve the same feat this summer. Key to overcoming those odds will be keeping Brazil's attackers quiet; Serbia have lost each of the six previous World Cup matches in which they have conceded as an independent nation, while winning the two in which they have kept a clean sheet. Mladen Krstajic's side will also be hoping for more favourable refereeing decisions to give them every chance of progressing, and with top spot in Group E still available to the Eagles - albeit an unlikely option - Serbia could approach the game with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Recent form: WL Recent form (all competitions): LWLWWL Brazil © Reuters In a World Cup of so many twists and turns, it is perhaps not too surprising that plenty of teams have so far outshone the pre-tournament favourites. With just one defeat in 21 games under Tite prior to the tournament, Brazil were heavily fancied to lift the trophy for a sixth time - and a first since 2002 - but many may have revised their view after their opening two games. That said, the Selecao are yet to get out of first gear in Russia and still find themselves on the brink of the last 16, needing simply to avoid defeat to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds. Brazil have only once been knocked out in the group stages in World Cup history - when Pele and co were unceremoniously kicked out of the competition as defending champions by some roughhouse treatment from their opponents - and a draw would be enough for them to extend that streak on Wednesday. Top spot is still very much up for grabs, though, and there is a possible scenario where it could be decided on fair play should both Brazil and Switzerland win their final group games. Brazil are currently one ahead of Switzerland on goal difference, but should Switzerland make that up and score the same number of goals as Brazil then the number of yellow cards they have received throughout the tournament could be taken into account. The same method would also be used to decide second and third place if both teams lose and end up with identical goal difference and goals scored. Cynics may suggest that runners-up would be a better place to finish as things stand, with Germany trailing Mexico in Group F and so providing the most likely opposition for the group winners.