Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has revealed that he expects a tough match when his team plays Mexico at the World Cup tonight.

The host nation won their opening game 3-1 against Croatia, while the Mexicans saw off Cameroon 1-0.

While claiming that his players will afford Mexico plenty of respect, Scolari is hopeful that they can take a step closer to the second round with a victory.

"Every time we play against Mexico we have difficulties," he is quoted as saying by FIFA.com. "That is why it is a game the players know will be very even. They need to have very good conditioning from the beginning until the end.

"The two teams play football of very good quality, with the ball on the ground, lots of moving around.

"That's why we will insist on all the necessary training, on the necessary respect towards Mexico, but we know a victory will put us in a highly comfortable position for the next round, so we'll play with that in mind."

Brazil's only injury doubt for the match in Fortaleza is forward Hulk, who is struggling with a leg problem.