From Invisible Man to World’s Best Midfielder
DOHA. — He was described before the match as Brazil’s key “invisible man”, by full-time Casemiro was being lauded as the “best midfielder in the world”.
Brazil’s World Cup match against Switzerland looked to be heading for a dour, goalless draw but the Manchester United player had other ideas.
With seven minutes remaining and some fans heading for the exits, Casemiro fired an unstoppable, angled drive into the far corner of the net to leave the remaining supporters roaring in delight and send his side into the last 16 with a game to spare.
The goal also delighted Brazil greats Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu, who were sitting together watching the game inside the stadium.
“I scored but is important to have assisted the whole team,” said the midfielder, who was player of the match.
“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.”
It was a sea of green and gold on the metro and outside the stadium before kick-off, with fans adorning Brazil shirts, scarves and flags on their way to the match.
Supporters piled into Stadium 974 in their numbers, vastly outnumbering their Swiss counterparts and although there were plenty of ‘Neymar 10’ shirts to be seen, not a single ‘Casemiro 5’ top was in sight.
Writing for BBC Sport, former Brazil midfielder Silva, part of the last to win the World Cup 20 ago, said Casemiro has a “great responsibility” with his defensive duties so that those with the attacking talents can flourish.
Silva said Casemiro’s
“intelligence” held the key, and that being “smart” as an “invisible” holding midfielder on the pitch made things easier for those in front of him.
Ultimately, Casemiro had to do it all himself, making more interceptions (four) than any player on the pitch. No player had more than his two shots, while he ended up scoring his first World
Cup goal.
A lifeless contest exploded when the United player’s arrowed drive hit the back of the net and he joined his team-mates at the final whistle as they jumped and sang in delight in front of their jubilant following. Victory sealed progression to the knockout stage and Neymar tweeted afterwards: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”
Asked about his opinion, Tite replied with a smile and said: “As a habit, I always respect opinions. I usually don’t comment but I will allow myself to do so today.
“I agree.”
Brazil assistant Cesar Sampaio, who played in the 1998 World Cup final defeat by France, 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.”
Casemiro 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.”