QATAR: Brazil advanced to the World Cup’s knockout rounds in Qatar thanks to a late Casemiro goal against Switzerland on Monday.
In a dull first half, Brazil, without their star forward Neymar because of an ankle injury, rarely challenged Switzerland for a goal, but they were more dangerous in the second half of the game.
In the 66th minute, Vinicius Jr. charged through to the goal and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Yann Sommer. However, the referee disallowed the goal after an offside call during the build-up.
Casemiro, on the other hand, was the hero for the five-time champions when he came up with a fantastic half-volley in the 83rd minute to secure a narrow victory and a spot in the World Cup’s last 16 stages.
Brazil is now three points ahead of second-placed Switzerland
The World Cup match at Doha’s Stadium 974 had all the characteristics of a typical Brazilian home game. The thunderous roars accompanying each fancy move to the rhythmic beat drummed out throughout, making it hard to believe that the Arabian Peninsula was the host of the match.
Before Casemiro’s moment of magic, the Brazilians had only won three of their nine encounters with Switzerland, with four encounters ending in draws and two losses. Monday’s game seemed no different as the two teams appeared to be heading for another deadlock.
Halftime substitute Rodrygo played a first-time ball to Casemiro, who hit it with the outside of his foot and went past Sommer. The Swiss goalkeeper watched as the ball beat him and went into the nets.
Even though Rodrygo assisted, Casemiro and Brazil have Vinicius Jr. to thank for the match-winning goal. Brazil’s newest superstar had drawn three desperate Swiss defenders onto him, creating space for the goal.
The Brazilian brilliance dragged down the Swiss, and the match could have ended with a score of two or three. However, that would have been unfair to the Europeans, who, for the most part, outplayed their opponents.
However, the Swiss can be encouraged by their performance, and if they win against Serbia in their final World Cup group match, they will advance along with Brazil.
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