Neymar sums up our feelings towards Casemiro
Manchester United fans’ favourite Casemiro has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” following another talismanic performance for Brazil at Qatar 2022.
The 30-year-old scored a sensational winning goal in his country’s 1-0 success over Switzerland on Monday night to secure their qualification to the World Cup knockout stages.
Casemiro's delicious finish in the 83rd minute was applauded by a group of attending Brazil icons and former tournament winners, including Cafu, Roberto Carlos and the incomparable Ronaldo.
Brazil’s current star man Neymar was watching the action from afar while recovering from an ankle injury that he sustained on matchday one.
The absent talisman was clearly delighted, judging by this tweet: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”
💥 Casemiro shatters the deadlock!
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 28, 2022
It's a hammer blow to Swiss hopes#ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/U9hKhmOHQg
Tite’s assistant Cesar Sampaio, who played at the 1998 World Cup, added: “Casemiro manages in front of the back four and acts as the first screen. He can also shoot from mid-range distances, which makes a key difference in that position.”
“I scored but it is important to have assisted the whole team. When we win, we win together, when we lose, we lose together. It doesn't change my mindset. This is a group, the Brazil national team as players, we must play as a group. That is most important to get the title.”
Asked about his role in the team, the United midfielder said: “It is very clear that my very first objective is to support the team and bring equilibrium. I need to support the players at the back and put out fires wherever they may be.
“When you are playing against a defensive opponent, we must feel what is happening. My first duty is defensive but if there is an opportunity to take the kick on goal, that can be important too.”
Casemiro has scored his first goal at a World Cup. It is his 6th goal for Brazil.
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2022
Stunner. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/puQEDHOA9D
Casemiro’s game by numbers vs. Switzerland:
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 28, 2022
85% pass accuracy
61 touches
41 passes completed
4 interception
2/3 long balls completed
1 goal
General. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/3LKqQkRfKR