Goals from Paulinho and Thiago Silva helped Brazil dump Serbia and book their place in the second round of the World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 victory in Moscow.

The five-time World Cup-winners entered the game, knowing that a poor result could see them leave Russia from group stage. However, they managed to avoid the humiliating scene with a straightforward win. Paulinho’s lob settled the nerves on 36 minutes before Silva’s second-half header (68) put the game to the bed.

With Brazil finishing as the group leaders, they will take on Mexico in Samara on Monday.

On the other hand, Serbia will depart from Russia after picking up only three points in Group E. Switzerland will join Brazil in the last 16 following their 2-2 draw with Costa Rica.

Brazil started the proceedings brightly as Gabriel Jesus forced a close-range block from Serbia goalkeeper Vladimir Stojkovic early on. However, they suffered a big setback when Marcelo limped off the field after a back spasm on 10 minutes. It, however, did not affect their momentum as they took command of the game nine minutes before half-time.

Philippe Coutinho once again shone in the central midfield as he provided the assist to Paulinho for the opener. The Barcelona star lofted a long ball into the path of Paulinho who broke the offside trap before lifting the ball over the onrushing Stojkovic into the goal.

With time running away, Serbia gave Brazil some nervous moments with a flurry of second-half chances. After Miranda had almost steered an Adem Ljajic ball into his own net, Aleksandar Mitrovic missed with two headers, the first striking Thiago Silva after Alisson’s flap and the second straight at the goalkeeper from close range.

But before Serbia could make a game out of the contest, Silva struck minutes after the hour-mark to put the game beyond their reach. Brazil held on to finish the group stage as the winners.