Evening all! How good has the World Cup been thus far? Aside from the goalless draw between Iran and Nigeria last night, it has been a sensational tournament. Goals, red cards, penalties, dodgy decisions – it has had everything. Our focus right now is on Brazil, with the host nation in Group A action against Mexico, who have proved tough opposition for the Selecao in past matches. Right, let me bring you the confirmed team news.

TEAMS:

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

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

One change in the Brazil XI this evening with Chelsea's Ramires coming into the team in place of Hulk, who has a slight knock. David Luiz continues at centre-back with skipper Thiago Silva, while Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho keep their spots in midfield. Mexico, meanwhile, leave Javier Hernandez on the bench once more, with Oribe Peralta leading their line. There is also a start in midfield for Valencia's Andres Guardado.

As mentioned, no team has beaten Brazil in the 21st century as often as Mexico, with La Verde winning six of their 12 meetings during that period. Brazil did beat Mexico 2-0 in last summer's Confederations Cup, but Mexico were victorious in the 2012 Olympic final against the five-time world champions.

That said, Mexico have only beaten the Selecao once on Brazilian soil, with a 2-1 friendly win occurring back in October 1968. Brazil have also won all three previous meetings in the World Cup without conceding a single goal – a 4-0 win in 1950, 5-0 in 1954 and 2-0 in 1962.

Mexico have also won just one of their 11 games at the World Cup against South American sides – a 2-1 victory against Ecuador in 2002. However, since Miguel Herrera was appointed as their new head coach, Mexico have won six of their 10 matches and lost just twice. They have also qualified for the last 16 in each of their last five World Cups, but Croatia will have surely have something to say about that this time around.

Brazil are out for their warm-up at Estadio Castelao. Fantastic noise in here already pic.twitter.com/vXIVvJnLpV — Ben Smith (@BenSmithBBC) June 17, 2014

Brazil enter this particular match having won each of their last 10 games, scoring 33 times in the process and conceding just three times. Their only defeat in their last 22 matches came against Switzerland last August. Since then, they have won 17 times, drawing four times in the process. What's more, the Selecao are unbeaten in their last 38 games in Brazil since a home defeat to South American rivals Paraguay in 2002.

As mentioned, this is the second time that Brazil have hosted the World Cup – the first was in 1950 when they lost to Uruguay in the final – and in that particular tournament they opened with a 4-0 win over Mexico.

Brazil's group stage record is also strong in World Cups, having won nine of their last 10 World Cup group games, remaining unbeaten in the process. In fact, the last time they lost a group match in this particular competition was way back in 1998, when they were surprisingly defeated 2-1 by European team Norway.

As touched upon, Brazil officially opened the 2014 competition against Croatia last Thursday. It didn't quite go to plan in the early stages, with Croatia taking an early lead following an own goal from left-back Marcelo. However, a brace from Neymar and a late Oscar strike was enough for the host nation to run out 3-1 winners and secure top spot in Group A after one round of matches.

CONFIRMED team sheets for #BRA vs. #MEX. Who will take control of Group A? #WorldCup pic.twitter.com/E3SJA3zK6z — EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) June 17, 2014

Interestingly, only six members of Brazil's 23-man squad at this summer's tournament have World Cup experience. It is an incredible statistic when running through the list of names, but it is a squad inexperienced at this particular level of football. As a country, however, Brazil are the World Cup team. They have won the most games (68) and scored the most goals (213) in this particular competition.

If Brazil are to triumph this summer then they will need a certain Neymar in top form. The Barcelona forward has now scored 33 goals in 50 games for Brazil, with that total making him the joint-seventh highest scorer for his country. At the age of just 22, it is a quite stunning return from the attacker.

Looking forward to the #BRAvsMEX game. This country love for football is incredible @FIFAWorldCup #CahillBrazil pic.twitter.com/uKoDCNRMtu

— Tim Cahill (@Tim_Cahill) June 17, 2014

As mentioned, Brazil are five-time winners of the World Cup. Their first victory came in 1958, before they picked up the trophy for a second time four years later. The third time arrived in 1970, before winning a fourth in 1994. Their last success was in 2002, but it has been a fairly disappointing last couple of tournaments, with the Selecao eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both 2006 and 2010.

What about Mexico? La Verde also opened their Group A campaign with three points after beating Cameroon 1-0 last Friday. It could and should have been more comfortable, with Giovani dos Santos having two legitimate goals chalked off for offside, but it was a winning start nonetheless. Any sort of result in this match would place them in a strong position ahead of their final group fixture against Croatia.

The only goal of the match against Cameroon was scored by Oribe Peralta, who has netted nine times in his last seven competitive matches for his country. Indeed, it is Peralta's form and presence in the XI that is keeping Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, who has 35 goals in 63 caps, out of the team.

How did Mexico qualify? A disappointing CONCACAF qualification campaign saw Mexico finish in fourth position with just 11 points from their 10 matches. Defeat to Costa Rica in their final group match last October left them needing USA to beat Panama in the final round of fixtures. That was indeed the case as the group winners scored twice in stoppage time to hand Mexico, who won just two group matches, a place in the playoffs. Herrera's side were drawn against New Zealand and booked their spot with an aggregate score of 9-3.

Talking of Herrera, he became Mexico's fourth coach in six weeks when he was appointed in October 2013 ahead of the clash with New Zealand. The 46-year-old, who has also managed the likes of Monterrey and America, represented Mexico 14 times as a player between 1993 and 1994. His contract will expire after the World Cup, however, and therefore his long-term future will depend on Mexico's showing this summer.

#BRAvsMEX #BRA #MEX (@ Arena Castelão for Brazil vs Mexico) http://t.co/zArY6Fr1ho pic.twitter.com/lMlpwbkFOE

— Paulo Henrique™ ✌ (@Ph_cam) June 17, 2014

PREDICTION: Brazil have found it difficult against Mexico in recent years, but this is a different match entirely. All the pressure is on the home nation, but I expect them to rise to that. Mexico have talent in forward areas, but I worry about their defence. My score prediction is 3-1 Brazil.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. I have a feeling that the national anthems will be emotional once more. Little under five minutes until kickoff in Fortaleza.

As expected, it was indeed emotional. Right, the pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Can Mexico spoil the party this evening? Or will it be six points from two games for Brazil?

Here we go then. Just a reminder that both of these teams won their opening matches last week. The other two teams in Group A are Cameroon and Croatia, who meet tomorrow. Right, Brazil get the action underway.

It is a hot, humid evening in Brazil, which might mean a slow tempo in the early stages. As expected, Brazil have taken control of the possession in the early moments, with Vasquez conceding a free kick after diving into the back of Neymar. I suspect that the referee could have a busy match in Fortaleza tonight.

Guardado gains a free kick for Mexico in an advanced position after clashing with Paulinho. The resulting set piece is delivered by Guardado, but Luiz is on hand to make the clearance. Herrera delivers another dangerous cross into the Brazil box moments later, but Silva heads behind. Impressive start from the Mexicans.

Not too much to report in terms of Brazilian pressure in the opening six minutes, with Mexico the team forcing the issue in forward areas. Gustavo attempts to break clear for the host nation, but Layun fells the midfielder. I suspect that we could see the first yellow card of the match in the next few moments.

Brazil are just struggling to put a passing sequence together at the moment with Herrera and Guardado both impressive in the Mexican midfield. The challenges continue to arrive as Giovani flies into the back of Neymar, who hits the deck. There have been more tackles than passes in the opening eight minutes.

Untidy football once more from Brazil as Marcelo hands possession straight to Herrera, but the Mexican cannot keep the ball for long as Gustavo comes across to make the challenge. Neither side has really been able to find their passing gear thus far, while clear attacking moments have been scarce thus far.

First real attacking moment for Brazil as Oscar drives down the left before finding Fred, but the experienced striker was in an offside position. His effort flashed into the side netting, which brought some cheers from the home supporters. Much better from the host nation, who have been largely frustrated early on.

The untidiness continues as Alves dives into a late challenge with Guardado, but the referee is not interested in awarding a card. Well, Mexico will be pleased with the opening 14 minutes in Fortaleza.

Half-chance for Brazil as Marcelo drives into the Mexico box before flashing a cross towards Paulinho, but it hits the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder before dropping behind for a goal kick. Still goalless.

Still no yellow card from the referee despite Rodriguez flying into another challenge with Neymar, who has shown wonderful feet in the early stages. The resulting free kick is delivered by Neymar into the Mexican box, but Herrera is on hand to thump clear. Not too much of a Mexico attacking threat at the moment.

Gustavo tries his luck for Brazil after finding some space outside the box, but his effort is wide of the post. No real clear chances for either team in the opening 20 minutes, but Brazil are in control of the ball.

CHANCE! Mexico's best moment of the match comes from Herrera as the midfielder beats two Brazilian defenders outside the box before driving one towards the top corner, but Cesar is on hand to make the save. Nervy moments for the Brazilians.

CHANCE! First real chance for Brazil as Neymar rises inside the box before planting a header towards the bottom corner, but Ochoa is on hand to make a brilliant save. Moments before, Peralta had been denied inside the Brazil box down the other end.

End-to-end period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides prepared to force the issue in the final third. Neymar is once more involved with Fred, but cannot move past the challenge of Moreno at the vital moment. You just get the feeling that the first goal could be crucial in this type of match.

Again it is bright work from Mexico forward Peralta as the experienced striker combines with Giovani before attempting to slide a pass into Herrera, but Marcelo is on hand to make the challenge. Marcelo attempts to break, but Moreno is across to stop the play. Still no yellow card from the referee.

Again it is Neymar at the front of the attack for Brazil as the 22-year-old drives past four defenders before moving to the edge of the Mexico box, but Marquez makes the block. Mexico have just been untidy with the ball in the last couple of minutes, with Marcelo and Alves more advanced for the home nation.

Suspicion of offside in the Mexico box as Neymar feeds Fred, but the flag stays down and Vasquez is across to clear for Brazil's first corner of the match. Silva and Luiz both come forward, but Herrera clears.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Fred meets a corner from Neymar, but his header is straight into the arms of Ochoa, who aside from one brilliant save, has not had too much to do thus far. Little under 10 minutes of the first period remaining and Mexico coach Herrera will be pleased with what he has seen thus far.

Half-chance for Mexico this time as Layun collects a loose header from Silva on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. That has been the story of the first 38 minutes this evening.

Marcelo tries his luck for Brazil after finding some space outside the box, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Moments before, Neymar had tumbled just outside the area, but the referee was not interested. Mexico will want the half-time whistle to arrive quickly as Brazil continue to press.

CHANCE! Another chance for Mexico as Vasquez strikes one from outside the box, but it just moves wide of Cesar's post. The Brazilian stopper was worried that is for certain.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Brazil to take the lead moments before the interval as Luiz finds himself unmarked inside the Mexican box following a free kick from Neymar, but Ochoa is once more on hand to make a brilliant close-range save. Still goalless with 44 minutes on the clock.

BOOKING! First booking of the match is handed to Ramires, who brings Rodriguez to the ground in a wide position. Poor from the Chelsea midfielder.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with the two sides level at 0-0. Brazil have had the better opportunities, but it has been a largely frustrating first period for Scolari's side. Mexico, meanwhile, have had their moments and will be pleased with their overall first-half display.

STATISTICS: Brazil shaded the first-half possession with 55%, while they had nine attempts, five of which were on target. Mexico, meanwhile, hit the target with just one of their five attempts. The referee has awarded just the one card despite a number of late challenges, with Ramires in the book.

BENCH WATCH: Hulk has indeed made the Brazilian bench this evening despite an injury scare and it would not be a surprise to see him in the second period. Scolari also has options in the shape of Bernard and Willian. Mexico, meanwhile, have the likes of Aquino, Hernandez, Fabian and Pena in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second 45 minutes. I suspect that there were a few harsh words exchanged in the Brazil dressing room, but Mexico will be content with their first-half performance in Fortaleza. Mexico get the second period underway in this Group A clash.

SUB! One change for Brazil at the interval with Bernard replacing Ramires.

Possession football from Brazil in the opening moments of the second period, but still no real intent in the final third. Alves delivers a cross towards Fred, but Marquez is on hand to make the clearance. Still just the one yellow card, despite both sides committing to a number of late challenges.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Brazil as Alves releases Bernard down the right, the attacker delivers a brilliant cross towards Neymar, but Rodriguez is on hand to clear for a corner. Moments later, Oscar fires one high and wide of the target as Brazil's frustration continues to grow.

Not too much from Mexico as an attacking threat in the early moments of the second period, but they remain strong in defensive areas. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match. At the moment, Brazil continue to control possession of the ball.

Half-chance for Mexico on the counter as Luiz loses possession high up the pitch, which opens up space in the Brazilian defence. Eventually Layun strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is deflected behind for a corner. End-to-end football as the late challenges continue to arrive from both sets of players.

CLOSE! Vasquez tries his luck for Mexico this time, but his effort whistles just high of the crossbar. Cesar looked in trouble that is for certain. Still goalless with 56 minutes on the clock.

1 - Only one of Brazil's last 25 World Cup games has ended goalless. Hope. #BRA

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 17, 2014

Half-chance for Mexico as Dos Santos cuts inside Luiz before striking towards goal, but his effort is straight into the arms of Cesar. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining in this Group A match.

Shoot on sight for Mexico as Herrera strikes one from outside the box, but his effort is just high of the crossbar. Brazil cannot seem to get out of their own half at the moment, which is angering the fans.

BOOKING! Aguilar enters the book for Mexico following a late challenge on Bernard.

Again Mexico have a chance, but again it is from distance as Guardado fires one wide of the post. The Brazilian supporters are not happy at the moment that is for certain. It would not be a surprise if Scolari looked to his bench for the second time in the next few minutes. Poor from the host nation at the moment.

BOOKING! Vasquez is in the book for Mexico following a late challenge on Neymar.

Half-chance for Neymar from the resulting free kick, but his effort was always bending wide of the post. It has been a disappointing evening for the 22-year-old thus far, but he has had hardly any support.

Not too much to report in terms of opportunities in the last couple of moments, but Mexico continue to commit numbers in the final third. Silva attempts to bring possession out for the host nation, but Guardado fells the skipper. Striker Jo looks likely to enter for Brazil in the next break of play.

SUB! Brazil make their second change as Jo replaces Fred. Straight swap in attack.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Neymar to open the scoring as the Brazilian collects a cross from Bernard before striking towards goal, but Ochoa is on hand to make a quite brilliant save.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Luiz combines with Oscar before attempting to find an effort on goal, but the Paris Saint-Germain defender scuffed his strike. Mexico just cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Brazil continue to force the issue. It is much better from the Selecao that is for certain.

SUB! Mexico make their first change of the match, with Manchester United forward Hernandez replacing Peralta, who has really struggled to make an impact this evening.

Brazil have really upped the tempo in the last five minutes or so, but they are finding it difficult to create clear chances, with crosses into the box being dealt with by the Mexican defence. Neymar delivers another cross towards Jo following smart work from Oscar, but Moreno makes the block.

CHANCE! First real chance for Jo as Neymar finds Bernard, who slides a low pass into the experienced striker, but his effort is wide of the post. It is all happening now.

SUB! Mexico make their second change as Fabian replaces Herrera.

Almost a shooting chance for Paulinho as the Brazilian finds some space on the edge of the Mexican box, but Moreno steps across to make the challenge. Mexico are down the other end with Fabian moments later, but his cross towards Hernandez is headed wide by the Manchester United forward. Still goalless in Fortaleza.

BOOKING! Silva is in the book for Brazil following a late challenge on Hernandez. Mexico have a free kick in a very dangerous position here.

The resulting free kick is taken by Giovani, but his effort is straight into the wall. Poor from the Villarreal attacker. Brazil are immediately on the break with Neymar, but he cannot find Jo, with Ochoa out to collect at the vital moment. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.

SUBS! Mexico make their third and final change as Dos Santos is replaced by Jimenez. Brazil also make their final change as Oscar is replaced by Chelsea teammate Willian.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few moments, with Mexico comfortable in dealing with the Brazilian threat. You just get the feeling that Mexico might have been able to win this match if they had shown more intent down the other end. Little under five minutes of this Group A match remaining.

CHANCE! Oh my word what a save! Incredible goalkeeping from Ochoa as the Mexican stopper denies Silva from a close-range header. That is a stunning save. Wow, wow, wow!

If Mexico do take a point from this match then they will have Ochoa to thank there is no question about that. The goalkeeper is on a free this summer and I suspect a few clubs will be interested...

Brazil want a penalty as Marcelo goes down inside the box under pressure from Jimenez, but the referee is not interested. It would have been soft, but there was contact.

CHANCE! Chance for Mexico to win it as Guardado strikes one from just outside the box, but his effort hits the top of the net. What a moment that would have been!

Another half-chance for Mexico as Jimenez strikes one from outside the box, but Cesar makes the save. We are into the second of three additional minutes and Mexico look the most likely to win it.

So there we have it. The referee brings the Group A clash to an end, with Mexico holding Brazil to a goalless draw. If the host nation are to win their sixth World Cup this summer, then they will need to improve that is for certain. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to stick around the site for all the reaction. Until next time!