Manchester United midfielder Casemiro was Brazil’s hero in their 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
The former Real Madrid star scored a superb winning goal, which was hailed by everybody from Rivaldo to Neymar.
The reaction back home in Brazil has been positive too, newspaper Globo‘s player rating lauded him as a 8.5/10, with the public vote going higher – at 9/10.
Globo wrote: “The best player in Brazil in the World Cup so far!” – although praise was not so forthcoming for teammate Fred.
Brazil’s media react to Fred performance
Fred came in to start the game in a tactical reshuffle, due to Neymar’s absence through injury.
He played 58 minutes before being substituted off for Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes.
Fred was graded a 6/10, with the public awarding him a lower rating of just 5.5/10.
Globo wrote: “A lot of space occupation, movement, but little offensive production in front of an opponent who was more withdrawn for much of the first half. The midfielder verticalised the actions well to try to make the ball get fast to the offensive quartet. However, there was a lack of more incisive participation.”
Fred completed 25 of 28 passes, creating one chance, but once he received a booking, it was inevitable that cautious boss Tite would take him off.
Antony was a second half substitute, he was rated 5/10 by the newspaper and 6/10 by the public, with his dribbling attempts noted – even though he could not find the room he wanted to make an impact.
With Brazil already into the next round, there could be some rotation for the upcoming games.
Antony could start, as could loanee Aalex Telles, a late substitute, while Casemiro could be rested.
It’s unclear whether Fred did enough to retain his place as a preferred starter, and may need another game to show what he can do.
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