BBC Online :
He was described before the match as Brazil’s key “invisible man”, by full-time Casemiro was being lauded as the “best midfielder in the world”.
Brazil’s World Cup match against Switzerland looked to be heading for a dour, goalless draw but the Manchester United player had other ideas.
With seven minutes remaining and some fans heading for the exits, Casemiro fired an unstoppable, angled drive into the far corner of the net to leave the remaining supporters roaring in delight and send his side into the last 16 with a game to spare.
The goal also delighted Brazil greats Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu, who were sitting together watching the game inside the stadium.
“I scored but is important to have assisted the whole team,” said the midfielder, who was player of the match.
“When we win, we win together; when we lose, we lose together. It doesn’t change my mindset.
“This is a group, the Brazil national team as players, we must play as a group. That is most important to get the title.”
It was a sea of green and gold on the metro and outside the stadium before kick-off, with fans adorning Brazil shirts, scarves and flags on their way to the match.
Supporters piled into Stadium 974 in their numbers, vastly outnumbering their Swiss counterparts and although there were plenty of ‘Neymar 10’ shirts to be seen, not a single ‘Casemiro 5’ top was in sight.
Writing for BBC Sport, former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, part of the last team to win the World Cup 20 years ago, said Casemiro has a “great responsibility” with his defensive duties so that those with the attacking talents can flourish.
Silva said Casemiro’s “intelligence” held the key, and that being “smart” as an “invisible” holding midfielder on the pitch made things easier for those in front of him.
Ultimately, Casemiro had to do it all himself, making more interceptions (four) than any player on the pitch. No player had more than his two shots, while he ended up scoring his first World Cup goal.
A lifeless contest exploded when the United player’s arrowed drive hit the back of the net and he joined his team-mates at the final whistle as they jumped and sang in delight in front of their jubilant following.
Victory sealed progression to the knockout stage and Neymar tweeted
afterwards: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”