Brazil forward Hulk misses the hosts nation's second World Cup match, against Mexico in Fortaleza on Tuesday, after failing to shake off a hamstring injury suffered in training.

As expected, the 27-year-old's place in the Brazil starting line-up is taken by Chelsea midfielder Ramires in the only change to the team that beat Croatia 3-1 in the Group A opener in Sao Paulo last Thursday.

Hulk, of Zenit St Petersburg, had withdrawn from training early at the national team's base in Teresopolis on Sunday and did not take to the field in Monday's preparatory session at the Castelao Stadium despite travelling with the squad to his native north-eastern Brazil.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is likely to start Ramires wide on the right of midfield, with Oscar reverting to a central role behind striker Fred and Neymar beginning on the left.

Meanwhile, Mexico coach Miguel Herrera stuck with the same team that defeated Cameroon 1-0 in their opening game in Natal last Friday.

The Mexicans will play with three central defenders, including veteran skipper Rafael Marquez, in a 3-5-2 formation.

A win for either side will leave them on the brink of qualification for the last 16 with one game to spare.

Croatia and Cameroon clash in Manaus on Wednesday.