Favourites leave it late

Casemiro came to Brazil’s rescue as they left it late to secure their passage to the World Cup knockout stage with a 1-0 Group G victory over Switzerland.

The Swiss, who held the Brazilians to a 1-1 draw in Russia four years ago, looked set to repeat the feat until the Manchester United midfielder struck seven minutes from time to claim the points.

Defeat was perhaps harsh on Murat Yakin’s men, who had frustrated the five-time winners for long periods to make them feel the absence of injured superstar Neymar, although a point from their final fixture against Serbia would be enough to send them through unless Cameroon pull off a major shock against Brazil on Friday.

● Cameroon fought back from two goals down to force a thrilling 3-3 draw with Group G rivals Serbia at the Al Janoub Stadium yesterday.

Serbia struck twice in added time before the interval through Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-savic to turn the game on its head after Jean-charles Castelletto had given Cameroon the lead.

Serbia went 3-1 up when Aleksandar Mitrovic scored his first goal of the tournament early in the second period.

But the Africans responded in spectacular fashion as substitute Vincent Aboubakar and Eric-maxim Choupomoting both scored in the space of three minutes to haul their side level.

Cameroon avoided a record-equalling ninth successive World Cup finals defeat, but while both nations retained hopes of reaching the last 16, Brazil and Switzerland remain favourites to progress from the group.

SAMBA TIME: Brazil’s players celebrate after Casemiro’s late goal gave the South Americans a 1-0 win over a stubborn Switzerland.