Costa Rica's chances of progress were extinguished yesterday with a last minute defeat at the hands of Brazil compounding their loss to Serbia in their opening game.

Switzerland never disappoint at the World Cup as they sit second on four points, with their first win of the tournament coming against Serbia this morning. 

Brazil have started poorly. Although they are top of their group, Tite's side have been uninspiring and have left much to be desired from one of the World Cup favourites. 

Meanwhile, Serbia have a young squad that has shown glimpses of talent and flair. Aleksandar Kolarov won them their first match against Costa Rica but they blew a lead in their second, leaving them in a precarious position as they prepare to face Brazil. 

Here are three things we learnt following another intriguing round of fixtures from Group E.

1 Costa Rica's ultra-defensive display backfires

Oscar Ramirez's side went into the tournament on a patchy run of form from their pre-World Cup fixtures. 

After a dreadful display in their first match against Serbia, followed by a gallant effort but disappointing loss to Brazil, Costa Rica have been eliminated from the World Cup with zero points from two matches. 

It comes as a shock to many who expected their heroics in 2014 to be built upon in Russia, with the majority of the same squad heading over to the tournament, but it seems Ramirez' tactics have forced Costa Rica into a shell of the side they were four years ago.

Ramirez set up with a flat back five while his full-backs hesitated to come forward, which is surprising considering it's where their width comes from and Christian Gamboa and Bryan Oviedo are to fit and agile wing-backs. 

Their counter-attacks never threatened and they never looked like scoring. Captain Bryan Ruiz was stationed as a left midfielder which plagued him with defensive duties. When he finally had the ball, he had the whole length of the field to traverse. Rather than being the lynchpin in an advanced role in the centre of the park, he was held back on the left.

2014 FLASHBACK: COSTA RICA'S DREAM RUN

As a result, they had little going forward, and registered only three shots on target in their first two group matches.

 

2. Serbia could surprise Brazil

Serbia dominated their match against Costa Rica but couldn't finish their chances. Aleksandar Kolarov saved the day with a pinpoint free-kick. 

Serie A star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has put his name on the map with some blistering performances. Despite losing out to Switzerland in their second game, the Lazio midfielder, along with fellow 23-year old Aleksander Mitrovic, have proven they have the ability to win matches. 

Their match against Switzerland, however, showed a side of Serbia that could haunt their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

Mitrovic sent them ahead in the fifth minute with an exquisite header and Serbia were on top for the first half but couldn't capitalise on their chances. It was a tale of two halves as Switzerland came out of the blocks, beating the Serbians to every loose ball and tackle. 

Granit Xhaka's thunderous strike levelled things and Serbia's mentality began to waver. In the 89th minute Xherdan Shaqiri stole the show and gave an insight into the mentality of the Serbian side.

SERBIA V SWITZERLAND - PLAYER RATINGS

Their match against Brazil isn't going to be a walk in the park but and their chances hinge on Nemanja Matic. 

If Matic has half the game he had against Costa Rica and controls proceedings for the Serbians, Mladen Krastjic's side may put an upset on the cards. 

3. Stuttering Brazil a disappointment

Tite's Brazil finished 10 points ahead of Uruguay in CONMEBOL qualification and were unbeaten in their pre-World Cup friendlies. It seemed as though it was finally time for redemption for the Selecao. 

Perhaps not. Against Switzerland, Brazil took the lead thanks to Phillipe Coutinho's brilliance from outside the box but Miranda's poor defending at the corner allowed Steven Zuber to equalise.

Despite numerous chances, Neymar and co. never found a way back. Come matchday two, we expected a few changes, but Tite made only one for the misfiring Brazilians and it was at right-back, with Fagner replacing Danilo.

WIth over 70% possession and 22 shots, Brazil couldn't find a way through until they made some proper attacking substitutions. Douglas Costa and Roberto Firmino made an impact as Brazil won by the skin of their teeth.

BRAZIL V COSTA RICA - PLAYER RATINGS

Brazil face a tough test against Serbia to qualify hoping to avoid embarrassment again at a World Cup.