Manchester United midfielder Casemiro proved his quality once again as Brazil eased to victory over South Korea.
Casemiro helped Brazil to dominate from the first whistle as they cruised to a 4-0 lead at half-time, which could have been more.
He played a key role in Brazil’s third goal with an incisive ball forward which led to Richarlison netting his third of the tournament.
Brazil eased off in the second half, but still won 4-1, booking their place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Brazilian press react to Casemiro performance v South Korea
Casemiro had 86 touches in 90 minutes, winning six of eight duels, also winning two free-kicks.
The midfielder’s performance was lauded in his native Brazil, by both the press and public.
Newspaper Globo graded him a 7.5/10, noting: “Another great performance of the shirt 5, one of the best players in Brazil in Qatar. Always well positioned, often makes the interception, already giving the pass.”
A vote from the Brazilian readership marked his performance higher, giving him a 8/10.
Casemiro erases ghost of 2018
Casemiro’s unbeaten record at the World Cup continues – he has still never played in a defeat.
In 2018 he was suspended for Brazil’s quarter-final elimination against Belgium after picking up two yellow cards.
Four years later he is available to feature in the last eight, and after that, yellow cards are reset. His sensible play has ensured there is no repeat of Russia.
Casemiro was left out of Brazil’s final game in the group stages, a 1-0 loss to Cameroon.
It’s no coincidence the two matches he has missed, Brazil have lost. Having him available for the quarter-finals is arguable even more important than Neymar.
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