Qatar World Cup Brazil vs Serbia live match

Brazil probable (4-1-4-1, right to left): 1. Alisson (GK) — 2. Danilo, 3. Silva, 4. Marquinhos, 6. Alex Sandro — 5. Casemiro — 11. Raphinha, 7. Paqueta, 10. Neymar, 20. Vinicius Jr — 9. Richarlison

Serbia probable (4-3-3, right to left): 1. Dmitrovic (GK) — 14. Zivkovic, 4. Milenkovic, 2. Pavlovic, 25. Mladenovic — 13. S. Mitrovic, 24. IIic, 8. Gudelj — 10. Tadic, 9. A. Mitrovic, 20. Milinkovic-Savic

Brazil and Serbia are facing each other in the group stage of the World Cup for the second time in a row. A lot has changed for both teams since their clash in Moscow four years ago.

The evolution of Brazil's squad is best illustrated by the fact that Paulinho - who has not played for the national team in the last four years - scored the opening goal in their 2-0 win over Serbia in 2018. Brazil's midfield was demolished by Belgium in the quarter-finals that year and the way they were exposed kept manager Tite up at night.

Their midfield has shrunk significantly in the current World Cup. Fabinho, Bruno Guimarães and Lucas Paqueta - all of whom will make their World Cup debuts in Qatar - Tite found the perfect balance in the middle of the park.

In 2018 Brazil was a team in transition, without a clear identity. The shadow of their humiliation at the 2014 World Cup - when they were thrashed 7-1 by their fans in the semi-finals against Germany - still hangs over the entire team and the nation.

This time, however, there is a palpable enthusiasm surrounding the perennial favourites' squad which mostly works with attacking talent at their disposal.

Neymar is arguably playing his best football at Paris Saint-Germain. Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have been key to Arsenal's resurgence this season. Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo lead Real Madrid to win the Champions League. Add to that Rafinha, Anthony and Richarlison and it's a forward line made of equal parts fire and flair