Casemiro books round of 16
Brazil’s dream goal breaks Swiss resistance
11/28/2022, 6:54 p.m
For a long time, Switzerland kept Brazil in check in the World Cup group match. Also because the South Americans are not convincing in terms of play without superstar Neymar. But then Casemiro hits like a dream. Brazil has already secured the round of 16.
The big Ronaldo blew hard, Roberto Carlos applauded with relief. Brazil’s 2002 World Cup heroes were happy in the stands that their successors had reached the round of 16 early. The injured Neymar, however, was visibly missing on the pitch, the 1-0 (0-0) win against Switzerland was a pure work victory for the artists from the Sugar Loaf.
“These are not nice games, the teams neutralize each other. Luckily I caught the ball,” said midfield rascal Casemiro, who had provided salvation in the 83rd minute: “I’m glad that I can help the team could.”
Group victory is practically certain for the staid Brazilians on Monday, given that they are three points clear and have a goal difference that is three goals higher than the Confederates. They need a win against Serbia to progress safely, with Brazilian support against Cameroon a draw is enough.
Instead of attacking star Neymar, who suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the opening game against the Serbs (2-0), midfielder Fred moved into the starting lineup. Neymar watched the game with his foot in a splint on his bed at the five-star team hotel, according to his Instagram account.
According to Selecao coach Tite, the 30-year-old has to “look from day to day”. At home, meanwhile, the long-awaited sacrilegious discussion is being held as to whether the number ten is still needed at all. In any case, Richarlison with his brace was perfect against Serbia. This time, however, the Tottenham striker remained inconspicuous – and this time he was not alone with the yellow-blue-green.
Swiss bus with mini-accident before the game
For the Swiss selection, the preparations had by no means gone smoothly. The team bus collided slightly with a police car that was supposed to escort the Confederates safely to Stadium 974. In addition, Xherdan Shaqiri initially sat on the bench with muscle problems. The former Bayern professional is still one game away to become the only Swiss World Cup record player with eleven games.
The game went as expected. The Swiss, who also started with a win (1-0 against Cameroon), gave the South Americans more of the game and concentrated on their order. So it took almost 27 minutes until the first chance, and it was a huge one: Vinicius Junior from Champions League winner Real Madrid failed after a cross from Raphinha from a few meters at Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer, one of five Bundesliga professionals in the Swiss starting XI .
Overall, Brazil developed little pressure in a 4-4-2, the Swiss did not consistently complete their transition situations. Neymar’s absence became noticeable and visible. The Yellows celebrated after 64 minutes – but Richarlison was ruled offside when Vinicius Junior scored the opening goal. Casemiro was happier just before the end with his powerful shot, which ex-Dortmund Manuel Akanji easily deflected.