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Brazil played their best game so far at the World Cup -- just when they needed it the most . The 2-0 victory over Serbia in Moscow was a confidence booster that sealed their place in the round of 16, where they will face Mexico.

For some isolated moments, Serbia did put some pressure on Brazil, but throughout the 90 minutes Tite's team dictated play and deserved to emerge winners.

Positives

A consistent display by the defence and midfield guaranteed the victory. Alisson was always safe when leaving his goal, Thiago Silva and Miranda ruled the box and its vicinity, Philippe Coutinho had another great game, Paulinho improved and Neymar started to give away the first signals that he can become the star of this World Cup.

Negatives

Gabriel Jesus is still below par, while Neymar is providing his usual magic, but sometimes just for the sake of it. He still has to control his theatrics, too. Marcelo left the game early and it is still unknown how long it will take him to recover.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Tite was successful in neutralising Serbia's set play, found a place for Willian to contribute more and passed his most complicated test so far.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Alisson, 6 -- Good game in general, and very safe in particular when he had to deal with Serbian crosses into his box.

DF Marcelo, N/R -- Had to be replaced after only 10 minutes due to injury.

DF Miranda, 6 -- Not the best of options to start play from the back because he made some risky choices, but he was able to neutralise Aleksandar Mitrovic.

DF Thiago Silva, 8 -- Another outstanding game from the Paris Saint-Germain defender, capped when he scored the second goal.

DF Fagner, 6 -- Less from him in attack than usual, but his main role was to control Aleksandar Kolarov and he did his job efficiently.

MF Philippe Coutinho, 7 -- Another fine performance that would allow him to claim man of the match. Provided a great assist for Paulinho's goal and was substituted in the second half, to rest him for the greater challenges ahead.

MF Casemiro, 6 -- Better display than in the first two games, recovering and then distributing play with smart judgement.

MF Paulinho, 7 -- Third time was a charm for the Barcelona midfielder, who came into this one off the back of two poor matches. He connected with Willian and scored an impressive goal by appearing as an attacking option by surprise.

FW Neymar, 7 -- Good game, but he has yet to find the balance between moments of brilliance and some unnecessary diving and excessive individual play.

FW Gabriel Jesus, 5 -- Another below-par performance. He is taking too long to make decisions.

FW Willian, 6 -- Still far from his best attacking form, but he showed some improvement and helped keep Kolarov restrained.

Philippe Coutinho enjoyed a strong match for Brazil once more. Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Substitutes

DF Filipe Luis, 6 -- Very safe, closing gaps in the defence.

MF Renato Augusto, N/R -- Came on for Coutinho to allow him to rest with the game won.

MF Fernandinho, 6 -- The Manchester City man came on for Paulinho.

Source: espn.co.uk

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