Thiago Silva has said that Brazil are learning "how to suffer" as they attempt to live up to their billing as the favourites to win the 2018 World Cup.

The Selecao booked their spot in the last-16 stage of this summer's World Cup with a 2-0 win over Serbia on Wednesday night, which also secured them first position in Group E.

The five-time world champions will face Mexico in the last-16 stage of the competition on Monday, and Silva, who was on the scoresheet against Serbia, has said that the South Americans are learning to overcome adversity during matches.

"In the moments when we were suffering, we stayed focused to prevent the other team attacking," he told Globo.

"Soon after, we managed to find a ball that we have worked on a lot in training, with Neymar to the near post. We were happy with that. From the first match until now, at certain times we've had difficulties.

"We suffered, but I think the most important thing was that the team knew how to cope when it was under attack. It's what [Tite] says, you have to know how to suffer."

Brazil, who scored five times and conceded just once in the group stages, have not won the World Cup since 2002.

Written by
Matt Law