Casemiro’s strike deep in the second half against Switzerland was all Brazil needed to advance into the round of 16 o of the FIFA World Cup. And Doha’s Stadium 974 thrummed to the samba beat as Brazilian fans brought Latin American swagger to this patch of Qatar, their team is doing well and good after winning back-to-back matches. The midfielder’s spectacular 83rd minute goal sent Brazil through with a game to spare and lit a touch paper to a contest that up to then had struggled to smoulder. With Brazil increasingly desperate, half-time substitute Rodrygo played a first time ball to Casemiro who struck it with the outside of his foot and it glided – in time-honoured Brazilian fashion – past Yann Sommer in goal, the Swiss watching in horror as it bulged the side of the inside of his goal.
While Rodrygo provided the assist, Casemiro and Brazil owe a huge debt of gratitude to Vinicius Jr for the goal – Brazil’s newest superstar had drawn three increasingly desperate defenders onto him which created space for the goal. Winded by a cruel moment of Brazilian brilliance, the Swiss slumped and the match could well have ended two or 3-0, but that would have been unduly harsh on the Europeans who, for the most part, blunted their opponents. The Swiss, though, can take heart from their performance and a win against Serbia in their final group match, while Cameroon take on Brazil needing a win to progress.
