Brazil, according to Casemiro, are in a much better position at the World Cup in Qatar than they were in Russia in 2018.
Casemiro, a midfielder for Manchester United, scored the game-winning goal against Switzerland on Monday in the 83rd minute to guarantee Brazil’s advancement from Group G.
Brazil had been unsuccessful in their attempts to break the tie up to that moment at Stadium 974 due to the injury to Neymar, and they appeared to be headed for a third World Cup stalemate against the Swiss, who they had never defeated in the tournament.
Brazil is the favorite to win in Qatar after losing to Belgium in the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup. Casemiro is confident that the team is stronger this time around.
“Four years have gone by, there are new players, this year we have a wider range of options, we have more to choose from, without even changing the team we can change the way we play,” Casemiro said in a post-match press conference.
“If we substitute players we have even more options. There’s no doubt the options are much greater than those in 2018. Not only because time has gone on and we are mature.
“We have defenders who are more experienced, we’ve had another match without conceding. It’s not Alisson, it’s not the defence, it starts up front with Richarlison.
“The range of options is much greater than at the last World Cup.”
Casemiro’s sentiment was echoed by coach Tite, who claimed the real victor of Brazil’s success on Monday was the “process” of developing a younger squad.
“There’s a wide range of options because there’s a four-year period of developing this,” Tite said.
“What won today was this four years, and them being able to develop in a natural way, despite being young.
“If that weren’t the case, it would be very difficult. Who won today? This process, this development. That was the cherry on the cake.”
Brazil only needs a point from their final Group G match against Cameroon to clinch first place. They will then face the Group H runners-up, who are Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, and South Korea, in the round of 16.
Tite was encouraged that Brazil won despite missing their talisman Neymar, who suffered an ankle injury in last week’s victory against Serbia. It is unknown whether Neymar will be able to play against Cameroon.
Asked if Brazil missed Neymar’s influence, Tite said: “Obviously, Neymar has different skills, he is a player who can make a magical moment.
“Other players are still getting to that level, and I hope they get there. So yes, we do miss Neymar, he has a great creative power, so we miss him, but we see that there are players that can take the opportunity. Let’s enjoy this win.”
Source: Theindependentghana.com
