Neymar has hailed Brazil teammate ‘the best midfielder in the world’ after the Manchester United star’s stunning winning goal against Switzerland.
Brazil confirmed their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with Casemiro scoring with a superbly taken half volley seven minutes from full-time on Monday.
The Selecao had struggled to break down a resilient Swiss side but a moment of magic from the 31-year-old settled the game with Brazil qualified with a game to spare.
Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid in a £60million deal in the summer, provided an equally dominant performance in midfield in his side’s opener against Serbia with Neymar heaping praise on his teammate.
He tweeted after the 1-0 win: ‘Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.’
Neymar missed Monday’s victory having suffered a sprained ankle in the victory over Serbia last Thursday.
The Paris Saint-Germain star will miss Friday’s final group game against Cameroon but there is optimism he will be fit for Brazil’s last 16 tie.
Full-back Danilo will also miss that game having suffered an ankle injury of his own against Serbia.
Brazil remain among the favourites in Qatar, having been eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Belgium four years ago in Russia.
Casemiro believes the current group is better equipped to go further this time around.
‘Four years have passed, new players have arrived,’ Casemiro said post-match.
‘This year we have a better range of players. Even without changing the team we are able to change the style of play.
‘By exchanging players we have options. Undoubtedly, the choice of players is much greater than in 2018, even due to the weather.
‘We didn’t have time, we had to create a squad to make it to the Cup, but not this year.
‘There’s a bunch of kids coming in and doing the job. The back line is more experienced, we spent another game without conceding goals. And it’s not Alisson, the defence, it starts up front with Richarlison.’
MORE : Casemiro scores stunning winner as Brazil secure place in World Cup knock-out stages against Switzerland
MORE : Manchester United star Antony misses second day of training to add to Brazil concerns after Neymar blow
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
