Man Utd watch in delight as Casemiro World Cup display sends Brazil through

Suraj Radia

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:56 CDT
• 2 min read

Casemiro produced a moment of magic to send Brazil to the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup, showcasing the pedigree that Manchester United were desperate for when they splashed the cash on him.

Brazil were frustrated for the majority of the game against Switzerland, having a goal ruled out for offside, before Casemiro struck a venomous shot from inside the box seven minutes for time to give his side a 1-0 win.

The midfielder has been exemplary in Brazil’s two games so far this tournament in both attack and defence, with Tite’s side becoming just the second team since 1966 to not face a single shot on target in their first two World Cup games.

While there were tense moments during the game, the presence of veterans such as Casemiro and Thiago Silva helped relieve the pressure on Brazil’s youthful attack and provide the composure needed to grind out a result.

Casemiro dictated the play for Brazil, having more passes and touches than any player outside their defence, giving United a glimpse of what they wanted when they paid Real Madrid £70 million for the 30-year-old in the summer.

Although he has had a slow start to his career at Old Trafford, the talent of the five-time Champions League winner has never been in doubt and his display for Brazil so far will give undoubtedly give him the confidence to push on during the second half of the domestic season.

Stuttering Brazil prevail without Neymar

Brazil are still considered one of the strongest sides of the tournament despite needing individual cameos to get past both their opponents, having also struggled to break through Serbia in matchweek one before Richarlison’s second-half double.

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Indeed, teams may be fearful that Brazil have grinded out results with relative ease despite not playing at their best, as well as missing a key player in Neymar.

The Paris Saint-Germain forward went off injured during the Serbia game and will likely not be risked in the final game against Cameroon, with Brazil all but certain to top Group G.

Such is the quality in depth for Tite’s side that they were able to start with Raphinha, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior before bringing on Antony, Rodrygo and Gabriel Jesus in the hopes one of their talented forwards would be able to break down Switzerland’s defence.

In the end, it was Rodrygo who was the most effective of the lot, providing the pass for Casemiro’s winner and being a constant threat after replacing Lucas Paqueta at half-time.

While United may be disappointed with Antony’s contribution to Brazil’s campaign so far, with the €100m man flattering to deceive as a late sub in both games, the performance of Casemiro will prove that the midfielder was more than just a panic buy and give supporters belief that he can be at the heart of success for both club and country going forward.