Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport in Samara

There was a lot of chat in the build-up to this about the Mexico team all dyeing their hair blonde - like the Romania side of World Cup 1998.

They've just come out here for their warm-up and I can count four hastily arranged new hairstyles among them.

The ground's starting to fill up now - and is becoming ever more yellow by the minute.

Javier Hernandez is certainly Mexico's main threat going forward.

He had only had one shot on target in 270 minutes at this year’s World Cup before scoring his 50th international goal against South Korea - the one being his goal.

And with 105 caps for Mexico, he's been there and done it. They will need his clinical goalscoring form and experience today if they are to knock out the favourites.

His passion during the national anthems has been lovely to see but he really needs to sort his hair do. He's had a shocker there.

Image source, Reuters

If the Simpsons say it's a thing, it's a thing.

Mexico fans have begun to wonder if they are destined to reach this year's World Cup final - because of a Simpsons episode from 1997.

The sitcom has a reputation for predicting the future and featured Donald Trump as US president in 2000.

Freaky, eh?

The episode predicted a Mexico and Portugal final but one of those teams are already out. Can Mexico still make it?

Image source, Simpsons

In contrast to Brazil, Mexico started the World Cup with a bang. They saw off Germany and South Korea but were stopped in their tracks by Sweden.

A heavy 3-0 defeat going into the last 16 isn't ideal but Mexico have shown they aren't afraid of the big favourites when they beat the defending champions 1-0.

Dion Dublin
Ex-Aston Villa striker on BBC Radio 5 live

It is sweltering inside the stadium and it's all about getting through this game. If you tire in later stages of games like this, then you can get punished. The heat is on the now but I'm expecting the big game players to perform, and I am expecting Brazil to turn up.

Image source, BBC Sport

One change for Brazil following their 2-0 Group E win over Serbia and it's the one we expected with the injured Marcelo replaced by Filipe Luis at left back.

Fagner keeps his place at right back despite Danilo having recovered from the thigh strain that ruled him out of the win over Serbia.

Brazil XI: Alisson, Fagner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Filipe Luis, Paulinho, Casemiro, Willian, Coutinho, Neymar, Gabriel Jesus.

Image source, BBC Sport

Mexico make two changes after finishing the group stage with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Sweden.

Veteran Rafael Marquez and Hugo Ayala come in, with suspended centre back Hector Moreno and Miguel Layun dropping out.

Marquez, 39, is listed as playing in the centre of midfield but expect him to drop into a back three.

Mexico XI: Ochoa, Alvarez, Ayala, Salcedo, Gallardo, Herrera, Marquez, Guardado, Vela, Hernandez, Lozano.

Roshimon: Russia has shown the way for other underdogs that if you're organized and ready to fight hard as a team you could surprise the more fancied teams.

Phil Hurrell: Marquez will get found out big time today, he has no pace. We saw it when he came on in the group stage. Can't believe Mexico have no decent reserve centre-back.

Brazil survived a tough test against Serbia to make it through as Group E winners despite the best efforts of Aleksandar Mitrovic and co.

It was a fairly subdued performance - as has been all of their displays at Russia so far - but there were still a few moments of magic and skill.

Are they growing into the tournament? Will today be the day it all clicks into shape? Let me know what you've made of Brazil's World Cup so far using #bbcworldcup

There are four players at risk of missing the quarter-final should they progress today.

Brazil trio Casemiro, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho are all on a yellow card so need to be on their best behaviour.

Mexico mainstay Hector Herrera is also on a yellow.

This will be Rafael Marquez' 148th cap for Mexico and he's competing at his FIFTH World Cup.

Talk about experience...

How do you think he will cope with Neymar and co this afternoon? Let me know using #bbcworldcup

Image source, EPA

Peter Schmeichel was a proud father yesterday after Kasper Schmeichel saved three penalties in Denmark's defeat to Croatia.

He got your vote for man of the match and probably his Dad's too.

The last time Brazil failed to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup was way back in 1990 when Argentina got the better of them.

But they have won 19 of 24 games since Tite took charge two years ago, keeping 18 clean sheets and their only defeat was a 1-0 loss in a friendly to Argentina, again, last June.

Brazil are a giant in football and despite failing to really hit it off in Russia so far, they have still kept clean sheets in seven of their last eight games.

It's going to take some feat for Mexico to get a result today.

Image source, BBC Sport

As if this World Cup wasn't already amazing, there was more drama yesterday with Spain's elimination.

Given the fact they were in England's side of the draw, there's been some pretty jubilant celebrations.

But look at Rio's face when the guys watched the shootout in the studio! Poor Cesc...

What a tournament Mexico are having! They beat defending champions Germany in their opening group game before confirming qualification against South Korea with another win.

But then Sweden gave them a bit of a beating, meaning they finished runners-up in the group.

Mexico have been knocked out in the last 16 in six successive tournaments and the last time they reached the quarter-finals was as hosts in 1986.

This is Mexico’s 57th World Cup game - more than any other side who have never won the tournament.

Can they go one step further today?

Image source, Reuters

39-year-old veteran Rafa Marquez comes in to lead from the back for Mexico and as expected, Fagner and Filipe Luis get the nod over Marcelo and Danilo for Brazil

We'll bring you the full team news very shortly.

Brazil head coach Tite has confirmed that left back Filipe Luis will start, replacing Marcelo, who limped off during their last game against Serbia with a back spasm.

Marcelo appeared to train as normal yesterday so he should be available to come off the bench if needed.

Right-back Danilo has recovered from the thigh problem that ruled him out of the last game, but his replacement, Fagner, may keep his starting spot.

Image source, AFP

Mexico are without key centre-back Hector Moreno, who is suspended after accumulating two yellow cards. He could be replaced by Hugo Ayala, who has not featured since starting the win against Germany.

Juan Carlos Osorio named an unchanged line-up for the first time in 50 matches against Sweden so I wonder what's in store today...

Image source, Reuters

Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport in Samara

I honestly cannot explain just how hot it is here.

I was in Samara last week for Russia v Uruguay and walking to the ground that day felt like a wander on the surface of Venus.

It is six degrees hotter now - we are up to 38C. The happiest person I've seen today was the woman outside the media centre hugging an air conditioning unit.

Capacity: 44,807

Climate: Average highs of 26C and lows of 16C with a 50% chance of rain

Time Zone: BST +3 hours

Approximate distance from Moscow: 655 miles

Background: If all had gone according to the initial plans, the Samara Arena would have been situated on a near-deserted island to the south of the city. After much criticism and some common sense, the venue was relocated north and inside city limits.

With its dome structure, metallic look and capacity to light up at night, it is designed around the theme of space to reflect the region's renowned aerospace sector. It will even be called Cosmos Arena once the World Cup is over. It will then become the new home of local side Krylia Sovetov, replacing their current Metallurg Stadium.

Image source, AFP