Hello all! Sports Mole continues its build-up to the 2014 World Cup this evening as the hosts Brazil face Panama in the first of their two warm-up fixtures. On paper, it appears to be a relatively straight-forward match for the host nation, but Panama have risen to 35 in the FIFA rankings this year and came close to securing a surprise spot in the competition this summer. Right, the team news is already in.

So there we have it. I suspect the Brazil XI on show this evening will not be too far away from the one that starts against Croatia in their first group match. David Luiz and Dante start at centre-back, while Neymar is joined in attack by Hulk and Fred. There is also a start in midfield for Luiz Felipe Scolari favourite Luis Gustavo. Panama, meanwhile, have also gone with an attacking XI. Luis Tejada and Nicholas Munoz Jarvis start in the forward areas, while Armando Cooper and Alberto Quintero have also been included.

Had Panama beaten United States by two or more goals in their final qualification match for the World Cup, then the Central American nation would have denied Mexico their spot in the playoffs and instead had the chance to make their first World Cup in their history. Since 1995, Panama have risen from 150 in the FIFA rankings to number 35. Brazil are in for a test this evening there is no question about that.

They won just one of their 10 qualification matches for the 2014 World Cup, but lost just four times, which is a marked improvement on previous showings. They also held Serbia to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match at the weekend, with their performance in that particular fixture a clear demonstration of their improvement over the last 12 months or so. Tonight will be another good indicator of just how far they have come.

Brazil, however, do indeed have their mind firmly set on the World Cup this summer. As hosts of the prestigious tournament, they automatically qualified for the 2014 competition. They have been in impressive form in recent friendlies, meanwhile, with seven wins from their eight international matches since August 2013. Their last friendly match was in March, where they beat South Africa 5-0.

The Selecao also won the Confederations Cup last summer after beating European and world champions Spain 3-0 in the final of the competition. They are the favourites to win the World Cup on home soil this summer, but Scolari has faced criticism for his squad selection, while the great Pele has also questioned the quality of the attacking options in their squad this summer.

Following this match, Brazil face Serbia in a friendly on Friday, before opening their Group A campaign against Croatia on June 12. Then comes a clash with Mexico on June 17, before they end their group campaign against Cameroon on June 23. Anything less than an appearance in the final of the competition would be deemed a failure for the five-time winners I don't think there is any question about that.

The man charged with winning the tournament on home soil this summer is Scolari. The 65-year-old is currently in his second spell in charge of Brazil having previously led his national team to the World Cup title in 2002. The well-travelled boss has also previously managed Portugal, whom he led to the final of Euro 2004 and the semi-finals of the World Cup two years later. Right, just about time for tonight's prediction.

PREDICTION: I expect Brazil to win this evening and indeed win well, but I do not think it will be as comprehensive as some think. Neymar will be looking to impress, while Hulk and Fred will be looking to nail down places in the XI. My score prediction is 3-0 Brazil at the Estadio Serra Dourada.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Both national teams have also partaken in their respective national anthems. Right, Brazil get the action underway inside this beautiful stadium.

It must be said that there is a sensational atmosphere inside the stadium this evening. As expected, Brazil have taken control of the possession in the opening couple of minutes, with the likes of Luiz, Dante and Gustavo seeing plenty of the ball. Panama, meanwhile, look very much up for the task this evening.

It's bright work from Cooper as the Panama winger drives into the Brazil half before facing up to Marcelo, but he is surrounded by a number of yellow shirts. Not too much in the way of sustained pressure thus far, with Brazil passing and probing in the Panama half. The pitch is in wonderful condition it must be said.

First real sign of Neymar as Oscar looks for the Barcelona attacker, who seemed through on goal, but Chen just does enough to clear at the vital moment. The referee, meanwhile, has been forced to intervene following a couple of late challenges. Still goalless, but Panama have started to see more of the ball in forward areas.

Half-chance for Panama as Gomez rises inside the Brazil box, but his header just drops wide of the post. Quintero had threatened to make contact, but Cesar collects for a goal kick. Panama are again forward moments later, but Cooper is felled by Luiz. Positive work from Panama inside the opening seven minutes tonight.

Slight problem for Marcelo as the Real Madrid left-back goes down under a challenge from Chen, but the Brazilian does return to his feet following a period of treatment. The resulting free kick is delivered by Marcelo, but McFarlane comes a long way to punch clear. The resulting clearance falls for Gustavo, but the midfielder cannot find Dante at the far post. Better pressure from Brazil in the last few minutes.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the early stages as Panama continue to quell the Brazil pressure in the final third. Neymar looks for the run of Oscar down the right, but Chen is across to make the challenge. Not exactly inspiring from Brazil at the moment, with Panama comfortable in the early exchanges.

BOOKING! Luiz enters the book for Brazil following a poor challenge on Rodriguez in the middle of the park. Panama appear to be growing in confidence with every passing minute tonight.

Some of the early atmosphere has just dropped as Brazil continue to keep the ball without really threatening to open the scoring. We have seen little from the likes of Hulk and Fred thus far, while Neymar has struggled to find his passing range. So far so good for Panama, who are very capable in possession of the ball.

Panama continue to grow in confidence as Gomez finds some space down the right before delivering towards Munoz, but Cesar is on hand to claim. Brazil are down the other end with Alves moments later, but he follows suit by delivering straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Still no real opportunities for either side.

Neymar attempts to force the issue for Brazil after finding some space outside the box, but he cannot move past the challenge of Torres. The home side look long towards Oscar in their next attack, but once more the pass is too strong and Panama are able to clear the danger. The home supporters need lifting at the moment.

Possession football from Brazil as they continue to pass and probe outside the Panama box, but another move breaks down when Oscar faces up to Cooper. Panama attempt to break quickly with Henriquez, but the midfielder cannot find Munoz, who had just threatened to run away from Alves down the left. Still goalless in Brazil.

Just a reminder that Brazil face Serbia on Friday before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 12. Scolari criticised his team earlier this week following a training session and it has been fairly poor from the home nation thus far tonight. Neither goalkeeper has had anything major to do thus far.

BOOKING! Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of minutes with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The latest tackle on Neymar gains Tejada a yellow.

Stunning free kick from Neymar as the Barcelona attacker curls one into the top corner. Just sublime from the attacker. Brazil are off the mark this evening and it could equal floodgates.

CHANCE! Again it is wonderful work from Neymar as the attacker dances into the box before finding Fred, but his header is just wide of the post. This match has suddenly come alive.

The confidence is flowing from Brazil at the moment, with everyone in a yellow shirt now wanting the ball. Oscar attempts to thread a pass into Fred, but Baloy is out to make the challenge. Not too much from Panama in the last few moments, which is not much of a surprise. That hit from Neymar has certainly rocked them.

CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as Hulk faces up to Torres before driving a low cross towards Fred, but Baloy just does enough to clear for a corner. The second goal could be on its way.

Panama simply cannot get out of their own half at the moment as Alves has another strike from distance, but Gomez is on hand to make the block. Marcelo drives down the opposite side moments later, but Cooper thrashes it clear. Little over 10 minutes of the first period remaining in this international friendly.

Half-chance for Panama this time as Gomez finds some space outside the box before striking towards goal, but his effort was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Brazil break down the other end with Marcelo, but his cross is cleared by Torres. Panama have just managed to ease some of the pressure.

Brazil have just upped the tempo in the last couple of moments with a series of corners, but Panama have been strong defending their own box. Alves floats a deep cross towards Dante, but Machado is on hand to clear before Neymar fells Cooper. Little over five minutes of the first period remaining in Brazil.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments, but Brazil remain in control of the possession. Ramires attempts to drive another cross into Fred, but it is too powerful for the striker. The tempo has dipped in the last few moments with the half-time whistle drawing ever closer.

Brazil have their second of the match as Alves finds some space outside the box before lashing one into the bottom corner. The goalkeeper might have done better, but it was a brilliant finish from the right-back.

It has not been spectacular stuff from Brazil, but they lead 2-0 in the latter stages of the half. That will make everyone connected with Brazil feel a lot better about things. You have to fear for Panama now.

BOOKING! Another opportunity for Brazil to threaten from a free kick as Marcelo is felled by Munoz down the left. Cooper, however, is the Panama player that goes in the book for dissent.

The resulting free kick is taken by Neymar, but the referee blows for a foul inside the Panama box. That should be just about that for the first period this evening.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Brazil leading Panama by two goals at the interval. Neymar opened the scoring with a curling free kick after 27 minutes, before Alves made it 2-0 five minutes before the whistle. Panama have had their moments, but struggled to create clear openings.

STATISTICS: Brazil have had more of the ball with 57%, while they have scored from both of their two attempts on goal. Panama, meanwhile, have also had two attempts, but just one of those forced Brazil goalkeeper Cesar into making a save. There has also been four yellow cards awarded, with Luiz and Neymar in the book for Brazil and Tejada and Cooper for Panama.

BENCH WATCH: Both managers are expected to ring the chances as the second period advances. Brazil have a number of options on their particular bench this evening with Willian, Bernard, Maicon, Jo and Henrique all on the sidelines. Panama, meanwhile, have the likes of Torres, Nurse and Escobar in reserve.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that Panama need to keep it tight for 10 minutes or this could turn into a bit of a hiding. I shall bring you up-to-date when and if changes are made. Panama get the second period underway in Brazil.

SUBS! Brazil have made three changes at the interval with Maicon, Maxwell and Hernanes entering proceedings in place of Alves, Marcelo and Ramires.

Well, that did not take long! Brazil have their third in the early stages of the second half as a beautiful flick from Neymar finds Hulk, who places one into the bottom corner with the outside of his foot.

Not too much happened in the opening 25 minutes this evening, but Brazil look in full flow now. Panama just cannot deal with the pace of the match as the home side continued to pop the ball around in forward areas. I would be astounded if we had seen the last of the goals with still around 40 minutes of football to play.

CHANCE! Oh my word what a miss! Incredible chance for Brazil to score their fourth as Neymar finds the head of Fred, who was all alone, but the striker places his effort high and wide. Wow.

Panama's first attack of the second period brings a free kick just outside the box. However, Quintero's delivery moves behind for a goal kick. Brazil are down the other end with Oscar moments later, but the Chelsea midfielder cannot find the run of Neymar. Panama are all over the place in defence at the moment.

CHANCE! Neymar comes close to his second following a through pass from Luiz, but his effort is straight at McFarlane, who makes a fine save. The pressure continues to build from Brazil.

Half-chance for Panama as Carroll finds some space outside the box, but his effort is straight into the body of Cesar, who has not had too much to do this evening. I suspect that both managers will be considering more changes with little over 30 minutes to play. At the moment, Brazil are just so comfortable.

CHANCE! Panama come close to scoring their first of the match as Nurse arrows a header towards the top corner, but Cesar, who had slipped, just manages to push it over the crossbar.

SUBS! Panama make two changes as Torres and Jimenez enter the field of play. At the moment it is unclear who has departed. A change of goalkeeper also follows as Calderon replaces McFarlane.

Better from Panama in the last couple of moments as the Central American outfit force three corners in quick succession, but Brazil manage to clear the danger on each occasion. Hulk has another half-chance down the other end following a deep cross from Neymar, but the Zenit forward can only strike into the ground.

SUB! Another change for Panama as Cummings enters in place of Torres.

CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as a high ball falls for Luiz inside the Panama box, but his header just loops high of the crossbar. Panama do not have much of a shape at the moment.

SUB! Another change for Brazil as Jo replaces Fred in attack.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Maicon drives down the right before delivering a low cross into Neymar, but Jimenez is on hand to clear at the vital moment. Jo has a sight of goal moments later, but his effort is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. It is all happening here with 64 minutes on the clock.

SUB! Another change for Brazil as Willian replaces Oscar.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. The amount of changes has made the match such an open affair, however, with Panama struggling in defensive areas. Little under 25 minutes of football remaining this evening.

SUB! Another change for Panama as Rodriguez replaces Carroll.

BOOKING! Henriquez enters the book for Panama following a late challenge on Neymar.

SUB! Brazilian centre-back Henrique enters in place of Luiz.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Hulk strikes one from outside the box following a clever free kick, but his effort is straight into the arms of Calderon. It remains 3-0 Brazil with 70 minutes on the clock.

Untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with Panama guilty of conceding possession too easily in their own half. The intensity has dropped following the number of changes that have occurred, which is not much of a surprise. Willian delivers a low cross into the Panama box, but Baloy is on hand to clear.

Brazil have their fourth of the match as Neymar finds Maxwell, who delivers a low cross into Willian and the Chelsea midfielder cannot miss from close range. Another well-worked goal from the hosts.

Plenty of positive signs from Brazil this evening. Panama have struggled with the intensity in the second half, but some of the football has been brilliant from the home side. Little under 15 minutes of normal time remaining and it would be a surprise if we had seen the last of the goals at the Estadio Serra Dourada.

Brazil want a penalty as Hulk goes down under a challenge from Machado, but instead the referee blows for handball after the attacker had fell onto the ball. Strange decision from the official!

Neymar appears to have another sight of goal following a deep cross from Willian, but the offside flag had been raised. The home supporters are in fine voice at the moment as Brazil continue to press forward.

Half-chance for Panama as Nurse collects a high ball in the Brazil box before lifting one towards goal, but it is comfortable for Cesar. Panama are really struggling with the intensity at the moment as Brazil continue to pop the ball around in the final third. Little under 10 minutes of football remaining.

CROSSBAR! Brazil come close to adding their fifth as Maicon meets a cross from Neymar, but his header thumps against the crossbar.

CONTROVERSIAL! The referee appeared to send Gomez from the field for handling inside the box, but the player remains on the field and Panama have a free kick. What happened there?!

It appears that the referee might have been made aware that Dante was standing in an offside position when Maicon was due to head the ball. The official definitely showed a red card, but it has been rescinded.

Another half-chance for Brazil as Willian drives a low cross into the Panama box, but Jo cannot make contact at the vital moment. That should have been 5-0. It is all one-way traffic at the moment as Panama continue to defend the edge of their own box. Little under five minutes of football remaining this evening.

CHANCE! Neymar comes close to his second after combining with Jo outside the Panama box, but his effort just bends wide of the goal. This could have been six or seven in the second period.

CHANCE! Another chance for Brazil as Neymar feeds Jo inside the box, but Calderon is on hand to make the save. Is there time for Brazil to add a fifth this evening?

So there we have it. The referee brings the match to a close with Brazil winning 4-0 on the night courtesy of goals from Neymar, Alves, Hulk and Willian. It has been the perfect rehearsal for the World Cup hosts. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!