Casemiro Stunner Sends Brazil To World Cup Last 16
29 November, 2022
Brazil have qualified for the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 as Casemiro's late strike secured victory over Switzerland on Monday evening.
2022 FIFA World Cup
Result: Brazil 1-0 Switzerland
Date: 28 November 2022
Venue: Stadium 974
The Selecao were without talisman Neymar due to an ankle injury and his place was taken by Fred, as Raphinha, Richarlison and Vinicius Junior continued to lead the front line.
Tite's charges were playing out from deep in their own half, as Switzerland did not give them time and space on the ball, which made chances few and far between.
However, Vinicius Junior had a big opportunity for the Selecao just before the half-hour mark after a cross by Raphinha found him unmarked at the back post but his acrobatic low volley was brilliantly kept out by shot-stopper Yann Sommer. The Nati carried their own threat going forward, as they occupied Brazil but the Selecao defence led by Thiago Silva and Marquinhos snuffed out their chances and protected goalkeeper Alisson, who did not have to make any save in the first stanza.
Tite made his attacking intentions clear at halftime, as Rodrygo replaced Lucas Paqueta and the South American side attacked with more urgency early in the second stanza.
Brazil thought they were eventually ahead shortly after the hour-mark after Vinicius Junior latched onto a defence-splitting pass by Casemiro in the box and curled a low strike into the bottom but the goal was disallowed for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
As Switzerland were pinned back in their own half, Tite required fresh legs in attack in the closing stages, as Gabriel Jesus and Antony both replaced Richarlison and Raphinha.
Brazil kept on coming and Casemiro eventually broke the deadlock in the last seven minutes with a snap volley in the box that took a deflection towards the far post and left Sommer rooted to the ground.
The Selecao had big chances on counter-attacks in the dying minutes to put the result beyond doubt but were wasteful, as the held on to back-to-back wins that sealed them a spot in the last 16 with a match to spare in Group G.
Source: www.snl24.com
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