Hello all! Sports Mole continues its build-up to the 2014 World Cup this evening as the hosts Brazil welcome Serbia in their final warm-up match. The home side recorded a 4-0 win over Panama on Tuesday evening, but Serbia are expected to provide a much sterner test for the five-time world champions.

As hosts of this summer's World Cup, Brazil automatically qualified for the 2014 competition. They have been in impressive form in recent friendlies, meanwhile, with eight wins from their nine international matches since August 2013. As mentioned, their last friendly was on Tuesday, when Neymar scored in a 4-0 win over Panama. In truth, Brazil never had to get out of second gear. The team news for tonight is imminent...

The Selecao also won the Confederations Cup last summer after beating European and world champions Spain 3-0 in the final of the competition. They are the favourites to win the World Cup on home soil this summer, but head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has faced criticism from various quarters for his squad selection.

TEAMS:

BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Luiz, Silva, Marcelo; Gustavo, Paulinho; Oscar, Hulk, Neymar; Fred

SERBIA: To follow.

So there we have it. Thiago Silva and Paulinho both return to the Brazil XI this evening, with Dante and Ramires dropping out of the starting lineup. The rest of the team is as expected, with Oscar, Hulk and Neymar operating behind the line forward Fred. Serbia, however, have still not officially released their XI.

Brazil open their Group A World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 12. Then comes a clash with Mexico on June 17, before they end their section against Cameroon on June 23. In truth, it would be an incredible shock if the host nation did not advance into the latter stages. However, fellow South American outfit Argentina and current champions Spain are expected to have something to say about Brazil's challenge.

"I still have concerns but not at the same level I had on Sunday. We did not allow our opponents the opportunity to counterattack and that is what I need to see because our team has the quality to score one or two goals. If we do not allow our opponents easy counterattacks, we have a chance to win games by even more. We improved but we still have a long way to go," Scolari, who led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, told reporters after the Panama match. We are still awaiting the confirmed team news for Serbia.

Serbia, meanwhile, will not grace the world stage this summer. Ljubinko Drulovic's side, who currently sit at number 30 in the FIFA rankings, finished third in their qualification group for the World Cup. Belgium topped their section, while Croatia - who face Brazil in the World Cup opener on June 12 - claimed second place after finishing with three more points than Serbia, who lost four times in their 10 matches.

Serbia are unbeaten in their last eight international matches, but were held to a 1-1 draw by Panama last weekend. Following this match, Drulovic's team face France in a friendly, before switching their attention to their quest to qualify for the European Championships in 2016. Tonight, however, it is all about pride.

SERBIA XI: Stojkovic; Basta, Tosic, Ivanovic, Kolarov; S Mitrovic, Matic, Petrovic, Jojic; Markovic, Tadic

So there we have it. Serbia name a strong XI for tonight's match with Chelsea pair Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic both included. There is also a spot in the team for Manchester City left-back Aleksandar Kolarov. As mentioned, Brazil make two changes from the team that faced Panama last time out, with Thiago Silva and Paulinho replacing Dante and Ramires. Right, little over two minutes until kickoff.

Kick off times are not too strict for these international friendlies and as a result, the national anthems are still taking place. The action will commence a couple of minutes later than expected tonight!

Here we go then. Seven minutes later than expected, both teams are now ready to begin the match. It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium on this beautiful evening in Brazil. Let's hope that the football matches up. Brazil get the first 45 minutes of action underway in Sao Paulo.

Not the best start for Neymar as the Barcelona forward is clattered from behind by Tadic. However, the youngster does return to his feet moments later. As expected, the home nation have taken control of the possession in the early exchanges with Luiz and Silva enjoying possession in defensive areas.

CHANCE! Serbia force a free kick in a dangerous area as Gustavo is guilty of bringing Tadic to the ground. The resulting set piece is delivered by Tadic, but Luiz just manages to head over his own crossbar. Really bright start from Serbia, who also cause Brazil concern from the resulting corner.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, but Brazil have started to force the issue in forward areas. The Seleccao gain a free kick of their own when Matic fells Hulk, but Neymar's delivery is headed clear by Kolarov. Good tempo to the opening six minutes in Sao Paulo.

The untidy start in terms of late challenges continues as Paulinho brings Mitrovic to the ground outside the Brazil box. Once more Tadic delivers into the area, but Silva is on hand to clear. Hulk threatens to meet the long clearance from his centre-back, but Stojkovic is quick off his line to clear downfield.

CHANCE! The best chance of the match thus far comes to Serbia as Kolarov finds some space down the left before cutting inside and striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is into the side netting. Brazil, however, have been wasteful in forward areas thus far. Still goalless in Sao Paulo.

Possession football from Brazil in the last couple of minutes, but they are finding it difficult to break through this stern Serbia defence. Hulk combines with Alves down the Brazil right, but Matic is on hand to clear at the vital moment. This is already proving to be a real test for the home nation.

Plenty happening in terms of challenges at the moment, with both teams refusing to shirk the physical battle. Brazil are still finding it difficult in the final third, however, with Tosic and Ivanovic solid at the heart of the Serbia defence. Basta, meanwhile, has started to get on the ball down the Serbia right.

BOOKING! Petrovic enters the book for Serbia following a late challenge on Neymar. It was really poor from the midfielder, who had no intent of playing the ball. Not exactly a friendly game!

Serbia threaten on the counter as Markovic finds some space down the right before delivering towards Matic, but Silva just does enough to clear the danger. Brazil attempt to break with Oscar moments later, but the Chelsea attacker cannot find Neymar and yet again the move breaks down. Still goalless in Sao Paulo.

CHANCE! Brazil's best chance of the match comes to Neymar as the Barcelona attacker capitalises on a loose pass from Tadic before breaking into the Serbia box, but Petrovic is on hand to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. Marcelo strikes one over the crossbar moments later.

Tosic is not best pleased following a clash with Hulk, but the referee does not look to his pocket. This is supposed to be a friendly, but that has not been the case thus far. There is a sense of ill-feeling between the two sides this evening there is no question about that, which is not exactly a bad thing.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with Brazil still struggling to find a way through this Serbia defence. Just a reminder that Brazil open their World Cup campaign one week from today with a Group A clash against Croatia, who were in Serbia's qualification group for this summer.

Half-chance for Brazil as Fred finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving wide of the post. Fairly frustrating 26 minutes for the home nation this evening.

Good spell for Serbia in the last couple of moments as the European outfit force two corners in quick succession, but Silva and Luiz take it in turns to clear the danger. Brazil attempt to break with Neymar, but Ivanovic is across to close the door once more. Little over 15 minutes of the first period remaining.

Slight sense of frustration from the home supporters as another move breaks down with Hulk. Serbia attempt to force the issue down the other end with Jojic, but Marcelo is across to block the cross. End-to-end football, but Serbia have had the better chances in the opening 31 minutes. Still goalless in Sao Paulo.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Serbia to take the lead as Kolarov breaks down the left before driving a low cross into the Brazil box, but Luiz, who almost turned into his own net, manages to clear. It has not been too inspiring from the World Cup hosts thus far as Serbia continue to threaten.

CHANCE! Another brilliant chance for Serbia as Mitrovic meets a cross from Jojic, but his header is wide of the post. Incredible opportunity for the forward, who was unmarked in the Brazil area.

Brazil are down the other end with Alves, but the right-back fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. That is an indication of their performance thus far. Serbia have had the better chances and should be ahead.

Alves twice delivers crosses from the right into the Serbia box, but it is fairly straightforward for the European outfit, who launch another break with Petrovic, but the midfielder is felled by Neymar. There is no question that Serbia will be the happier of the two teams at this stage of proceedings.

BOOKING! Matic is booked for Serbia after bringing Neymar to the ground outside the box.

The resulting free kick is taken by Luiz, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Poor from the centre-back. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining in Sao Paulo.

Still the score remains goalless as the first period draws to a close. Serbia threaten once more as Jojic drives down the right before feeding Markovic, but Luiz manages to clear at the vital moment. Just a reminder that both managers have the option of making six substitutions in this international friendly.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Markovic turns into the back of the net for Serbia, but Dadic had been in an offside position when he found the striker. Good decision from the linesman.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. It has been a frustrating 45 minutes for Brazil, with the home nation struggling to overcome a stern Serbia defence. The European outfit, meanwhile, have also arguably had the better chances to open the scoring.

STATISTICS: Brazil shaded the possession in the first period with 66%, but failed to hit the target with any of their five attempts. Serbia, meanwhile, have also failed to hit the target, but Kolarov and Mitrovic have both had golden opportunities to open the scoring in Sao Paulo.

BENCH WATCH: As mentioned towards the end of the first period, both managers have the option of making six changes in the second period. Brazil have a full complement on their bench this evening, with the likes of Bernard, Dante, Ramires and Hernanes expected to be introduced. Serbia, meanwhile, have a number of attacking options - including Tosic and Lazovic - in reserve this evening.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Scolari will want a serious improvement from his side in the second 45 minutes, but Serbia have proved a tough nut to crack thus far. It will be the European outfit to get the half underway on this beautiful evening in Sao Paulo.

SUB! Just the one change for Brazil at the break with Willian replacing his Chelsea teammate Oscar. Serbia, however, have gone with the same XI from the first period, which is not a surprise.

It has been a better start to the second half from Brazil, with the South American outfit popping the ball around in forward areas. There is a slight concern for Neymar, however, as the Barcelona attacker slips in a forward area before holding his thigh. If there is any doubt then Neymar will surely be replaced.

The untidiness in terms of late challenges continues as Mitrovic fells Neymar in the middle of the park. The resulting free kick is taken quickly by Alves, but Fred cannot turn in the Serbia box under pressure from Ivanovic. Better tempo to the early stages of the second half.

Half-chance for Brazil as Alves finds some space down the right before driving a low cross into the box, but Ivanovic is on hand to make the clearance. Moments later, Brazil have a free kick when Kolarov fells Hulk, but the set piece from Neymar is turned wide of the post by Gustavo. Better from the home side.

Another Brazil attack comes to an end when Neymar fails to collect a through pass from Paulinho, who has been poor in the opening 54 minutes. Serbia are providing a serious test at the moment, but the European outfit have not had too much going forward since the interval. Little over 35 minutes of football remaining.

Hulk and Neymar both lose possession in a matter of seconds as more groans arrive from the home supporters. Serbia have a half-chance down the other end as Mitrovic finds some space outside the box, but Marcelo makes the block. End-to-end football, but still goalless in this international friendly in Sao Paulo.

Untidy period of the match in terms of challenges in the last couple of moments as Serbia continue to frustrate the home side. Tadic delivers another free kick into the Brazil box, but Silva manages to clear at the vital moment. Alves, meanwhile, continues to lose possession in forward areas for Brazil.

Brazil take the lead with little over 30 minutes remaining as Fred collects a cross from Silva before finding the back of the net. The striker lost his footing inside the box, but still managed to finish.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Paulinho strikes one from outside the box, but Ivanovic makes the block. The resulting corner is delivered by Hulk, but the European outfit manage to clear the danger. You just get the feeling that this could become three or four if Brazil score again in the next couple of minutes.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Hulk beats the offside trap before facing up to the Serbia goalkeeper, but his effort is straight at Stojkovic. Moments later Neymar delivers a dangerous cross towards Fred, but Matic manages to clear the danger. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining and Brazil lead 1-0.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Willian finds some space in the final third before feeding Neymar, but the Barcelona attacker just over-runs the ball at the final moment. Hulk tries his luck outside the box moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of Stojkovic. Still 1-0 Brazil in Sao Paulo.

SUB! Brazil make their second change of the evening as Fernandinho replaces Paulinho.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Serbia have started to see more of the ball in the final third. Still no movement on the Serbia bench, however, which is a surprise.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Fred strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is straight at the Serbia goalkeeper. The away side break down the other end with Tadic, but the midfielder cannot find a teammate inside the Brazil box. Little over 20 minutes of football remaining in Sao Paulo.

SUB! Serbia make their first change of the match as Tosic replaces Tadic.

POST! Wonderful chance for Serbia as Jokic meets a deep cross from Kolarov, but his header clips the outside of the post before dropping wide. What an opportunity for the European outfit.

SUB! Brazil make another change as Maicon replaces Alves at right-back.

CHANCE! It is wonderful work from Markovic as the Serbia midfielder drives into the Brazil box before curling one towards the bottom corner, but his effort is collected by Cesar.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Hulk finds the back of the net for Brazil, but the linesman raises his flag for offside. Replays have shown that it was a really poor decision, however. Hulk was miles onside!

SUB! Change in attack for Brazil as Jo replaces the scorer Fred.

End-to-end football in the last couple of moments with both sides forcing the issue in the final third. A deep cross from Petrovic causes problems inside the Brazil box, but Cesar manages to collect. Brazil are down the other end with Willian moments later, but the Chelsea attacker cannot find the run of Jo.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Brazil have started to dominate possession in the final third. Hulk delivers a cross towards Willian moments later, but Ivanovic manages to clear at the vital moment. It appears that the home nation are preparing another change.

SUB! Maxwell replaces Marcelo at left-back for Brazil.

SUBS! Another change for Brazil as Bernard replaces Neymar, while Serbia introduce Djordjevic in place of Mitrovic.

The tempo has just disappeared in the last few moments with both managers making changes. Just a reminder that Serbia did not qualify for the World Cup this summer, but Brazil will open their Group A campaign against Croatia on June 12. Will they enter that match off the back of another win?

Possession football for Brazil in the last few minutes, but Serbia remain a threat on the counter attack. It has been far from impressive from the home nation, but they are minutes away from recording another win and indeed keeping another clean sheet. Little under five minutes of normal time remaining in Sao Paulo.

SUBS! Two more changes for Serbia as Petrovic and Basta are replaced by Mrdja and Vulicevic.

Half-chance for Brazil from a set piece as Hulk delivers towards the far post, but Ivanovic clears behind his own crossbar. The resulting corner is played short by Willian, but the pressure ends when the Chelsea midfielder loses possession before fouling Ivanovic. Little over one minute of normal time remaining.

SUB! Change in goal for Serbia as Lukac replaces Stojkovic.

Not too much to report in stoppage time, with Brazil prepared to keep the ball in their own half. The home supporters want more goals, however, and are expressing their frustration with a series of whistles.

SAVE! Wonderful goalkeeping from Lukac as the Serbia goalkeeper denies a close-range header from Jo. That should be just about that for this match.

So there we have it. Brazil conclude their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 win over Serbia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!