Casemiro rides to rescue after Brazil go cold

Another big gun suffers jolt in second game

- 

IT WAS amusing that, after full-time here, Casemiro described himself as a firefighter, since it was only with the midfielder’s 83rd-minute strike that a controlled but labouring Brazilian performance caught alight.

“It is very clear that my very first objective is to support the team, to put out fires wherever they may be,” said Casemiro, who was quickly described on Twitter as the best midfielder in the world by injured team-mate Neymar. “But, nevertheless, if there is an opportunity to take a little shot on goal, I think that’s very important.”

Vital, in fact, as the 30-year-old’s brilliant effort from Rodrygo’s fine flick earned a 1-0 victory that meant Brazil became the second side, after France, to book their place in the last 16, that pair joined by Portugal before the close of the day.

After the vibrant victory over Serbia that had announced Brazil’s arrival at this tournament in the shimmering soapdish that is Lusail Stadium four days earlier, this was less glamorous and more businesslike from Tite’s side at a ground built out of shipping containers.