Hosts Brazil can all but secure their place in the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday with a win over Mexico in Fortaleza.

The Selecao got their campaign off to a winning start thanks to a controversial 3-1 victory over Croatia in the opening match of the tournament.

However, Mexico can also take a big step towards the knockout stages if they defeat their South American counterparts at the Estadio Castelao.

The Mexicans started the tournament with a win thanks to a narrow 1-0 victory over Cameroon.

While Mexico are expected to provide Brazil with tough opposition, the Brazilians can take comfort in the fact that they have won 22 of their previous 38 meetings with Mexico.

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is likely to name the same starting lineup that saw off Croatia, with Neymar and Fred leading the attack. Meanwhile, Mexico have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the match.

Recent form

Brazil: WWWWWW

Mexico: DWWLLW

Possible starting lineups

Brazil: Cesar; D Alves, T Silva, D Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, L Gustavo; Hulk, Oscar, Neymar; Fred

Mexico: Ochoa; Rodriguez, Marquez, Herrera, Layun, Dos Santos, Moreno, Guardado, Peralta, Aguilar, Vazquez

Sports Mole says: 2-1

Written by
Jack Prescott

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