Serbia coach Mladen Krstajic admitted his side were outclassed but bemoaned wasted opportunities.

"You have to be alive for 90 minutes or else you'll be punished," he said. "It's difficult to play such an open game against a powerhouse of football like Brazil. We need to up our game, elevate the quality to a higher level, improve what is good and eliminate the weaknesses."

Brazil began the game full of energy and nearly went ahead in the fourth minute. Philippe Coutinho laid the ball off to Neymar who split Serbia's defence with a one-touch through ball to Gabriel Jesus. The Manchester City forward's shot was saved but the rebound fell to Coutinho and the midfielder crossed to the onrushing Neymar, who sent his first-time effort just wide.

Marcelo was replaced by Filipe Luis in the 10th minute but the change did little to halt Brazil's early momentum as Coutinho, Jesus and Neymar caused problems for Serbia's defence, particularly on the left side.