Brazil had to work hard to beat Japan in the World Cup Round of 32, as Casemiro went from villain to hero by getting on the scoresheet to help steer Carlo Ancelotti’s side into the last 16.
Although today marks the expiry of Casemiro’s contract at Manchester United, fans are still wishing the veteran midfielder the best at the 2026 World Cup.
Of course, Casemiro is not the only player in the Brazil squad with a connection to United, as Matheus Cunha has started the last three games for Brazil and scored as many goals.
Cunha didn’t get on the scoresheet against Japan, but Casemiro scored the important equaliser as Brazil turned the game on its head in the second half.
Will Casemiro’s comments on Manchester United inspire other top players to follow? What is your response to his statement?
Casemiro becomes Brazil’s second-oldest player to score at a World Cup
Japan were on the cusp of a historic result until Casemiro levelled the scoring in the 56th minute. The goal came from a towering header reminiscent of what he produced for United last season.
Casemiro, who is set to sign for Inter Miami, struggled in the first half and picked up a yellow card. There were even calls for the 34-year-old to be substituted at half-time, but Ancelotti benefited by sticking with his man.
That was when Casemiro leapt to win a header to go from villain to hero for Brazil. His goal inspired a comeback win as Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli scored the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
However, Casemiro’s goal not only brought Brazil back into a game they were losing, but it also made him the country’s second-oldest player (34 years, 126 days) to score at a World Cup.
Brazil legend Bebeto, who led Brazil to their historic fourth World Cup title in 1994, is currently the oldest player (34 years, 137 days).
Essentially, that means Casemiro can become the oldest player to score for Brazil at a World Cup by doing so in the quarter-finals or beyond.
By becoming Brazil’s second-oldest player, Casemiro surpasses former Chelsea and PSG defender Thiago Silva (33 years, 126 days) on the list.
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When are Casemiro and Matheus Cunha playing in the Round of 16?
Brazil will compete in the last 16 on Sunday, 5 July.
Casemiro and Cunha are waiting on the outcome of the Ivory Coast vs Norway to learn who their opponents will be.
That means the United duo could face Amad Diallo in the next round.
Amad already has one goal to his name since the beginning of the tournament. The Ivorians will need to be at their best to get the better of an Erling Haaland-inspired Norway side that impressed during the group phase.
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