Casemiro applies late finish as Brazil adapt to the absence of Neymar
The Guardian|November 29, 2022
Brazil limbered up for the match by taking a stroll around Doha's Souq Waqif. They emerged unscathed, with wallets still largely intact, but Switzerland, for a long time here, threatened to rob Tite's team of their cloak of invincibility.
Louise Taylor
Casemiro applies late finish as Brazil adapt to the absence of Neymar

Ultimately Casemiro's glorious 83rd-minute half-volley, dispatched with the outside of his right foot, propelled the pre-tournament favourites into the knockout stages but much of the action emphasised precisely why all the pre-match focus had centred on a man who was never going to appear on the pitch.

Neymar divides opinion in Brazil but a well-drilled Switzerland provided ample evidence of his importance. It is no exaggeration to say his ankle injury-induced absence was keenly felt.

Brazil's manager initially compensated for the loss of his attacking talisman by advancing Lucas Paquetá into the front three from midfield, with Fred joining his Manchester United colleague Casemiro further back. Fred's impact was peripheral.

"Switzerland have the best defence," Tite said. "And we do miss Neymar." Murat Yakin's Switzerland arrived at Stadium 974 slightly late after being involved in a minor road accident en route. It seems the driver of their team bus allowed his mind to wander as traffic near the ground slowed to a crawl and ended up crashing into the back of the police escort car in front.

That collision in turn left the vehicle travelling immediately behind the coach unable to brake in time before adding to the pile-up.

Mercifully no one was hurt and, to Brazil's dismay, Switzerland's sustained concentration contrasted markedly with that of their driver.

This story is from the November 29, 2022 edition of The Guardian.

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This story is from the November 29, 2022 edition of The Guardian.

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