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Brazil have topped Group E with a dominating 2-0 win over Serbia in their final World Cup group game. The Canaries needed to avoid a defeat in this one to avoid going Germany's path. And they managed that brilliantly with Paulinho and Thiago Silva scoring at either side of the break.
Serbia threatened at times but lacked precision in the final third. Aleksandar Mitrovic had one glorious chance and numerous half chances to end Brazil's hopes. But the five-time champions held on and secured a fine victory to guarantee their progress.
Brazil will now face Mexico in the round of 16 - the runners-up of Group F. So without further ado, let's analyze Brazil vs Serbia game in further detail and discuss the five talking points that emerged from it:
#5 Brazil give a hint of what they're capable of
After a draw against Switzerland and a late victory over Costa Rica, Tite and his men were in desperate need of a convincing performance. Serbia were a stern test but from the first minute, Brazil had the intent to secure a win and to impress.
The first half showed glimpses of what this talented bunch of Brazilians can do. Neymar dropped deep to get involved and was lively. Philippe Coutinho was again at his influential best while Paulinho's late runs were proving to be more than a handful. There were some brilliant one-two passes, some fine close control and a spectacle that is synonymous with the Canaries.
On a day when one of the pre-tournament favourites were dumped out of the competition, another one reestablished its place. Brazil finally produced a performance worthy of their talent and with the business end of the competition now approaching, Neymar and co. will have to churn out displays like this to get their hands on the trophy.
#4 Brazil's fullback woes continue
The Brazilian plan went as the script demanded, except for one thing. Marcelo suffered an injury and was immediately taken off in the 10th minute. It looked like a serious problem at first but the Brazilian board has now revealed it to be a back spasm.
This is the third Brazilian fullback that has suffered an injury in or on their way to Russia. Dani Alves was ruled out of the World Cup with a knee injury whereas Danilo incurred a thigh problem to miss the last two games. Marcelo is the latest fullback to endure the same fate.
Filipe Luis replaced Marcelo and had a decent outing. He is a solid defender but has his limitations going forward. Brazil will need Marcelo's attacking output in the knockout stages and will hope for a speedy return from the Real Madrid left-back.
#3 Serbia's profligacy costs them the match
In the second half, Serbia had a period where they had pinned Brazil back and were knocking on the door to get an equalizer and find a way back into the game. All the chances fell to Aleksandar Mitrovic who had an unlucky day in front of the goal.
The striker could not take advantage of the lack of communication between Alisson Becker and Brazil's centre-backs. Serbia needed a goal to put pressure back on Brazil but their profligacy ended their first World Cup campaign after eight years which had started with such promise.
The Serbs were touted by many to be the dark horses for the tournament but after committing harakiri in the second half against Switzerland, they needed a win against Brazil - one of the biggest tasks in world football. They failed to mount an upset and were sent packing.
#2 Neymar is coming back to form
Tite had said in one of his press conferences that Neymar will take four to five games to get back at his best. Three games down, the talisman had his most impressive outing against Serbia. After failing to make a mark against Switzerland followed by a below-par performance against Costa Rica, Neymar made amends against the Serbs.
The PSG star was all over the field and worked hard to get involved in Brazil's attacks. He attempted seven shots, completed nine dribbles and provided an assist for the second goal.
Neymar has a swagger about him when he's on song which was starkly evident last night. With his assist to Thiago Silva in the second half, Neymar now has been involved in 19 goals for Brazil in his last 18 matches (10 goals, 9 assists).
#1 Philippe Coutinho is turning out to be Brazil's MVP
Despite all the focus being on Neymar, it is Philippe Coutinho who has been Brazil's best player in the World Cup so far. After his stunning goal against Switzerland and the all-important first goal against Costa Rica, the Barcelona man continued his impressive run against Serbia.
It was Coutinho who delivered a pinpoint assist to Paulinho for the first goal. The playmaker has now been involved in three of Brazil's four goals at the World Cup. Playing in a deeper role has helped to get the best out of Coutinho which has taken some load off Neymar to guide the team home.
Judging by the group stage games until now, Philippe Coutinho certainly is a prime contender for the Golden Ball award.
