Brazil through to the next round thanks to Casemiro goal

Casemiro's late goal guaranteed Brazil their place in the knock-out stage after a 1-0 win against Switzerland.

Action: After three action-packed games today, this game reverted to a familiar formula. The first half ended goalless with Brazil creating few opportunities against the Swiss.

Yann Sommer was required to make a few stops, though. Raphinha’s cross from the right found Vinícius Júnior at the far post but the Real Madrid man couldn’t finish. Then Raphinha’s long-distance effort later in the half was a far easier save for Sommer.

Tite made a half-time change to add some more flair to his side with Rodrygo coming on for the ineffective Lucas Paquetá.

Brazil continued to be the dominant side in the second half with Switzerland creating few chances. The Seleção almost took the lead in the 56th minute when Vinícius’ cross with the outside of his boot was inches away from meeting the outstretched boot of Richarlison.

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Instead, Brazil had to wait until the 86th minute for the opening goal. Rodrygo flicked the ball onto his old club teammate Casemiro for the now-Manchester United man to slam the ball into the corner. The shot looked to have taken a slight deflection off Manuel Akanji on its way in but even without that touch it’s unlikely Sommer would have been able to stop the powerful effort.

The Swiss couldn’t find a way back into the game after that and failed to have a shot on target all game. Had Brazil been more clinical they could have doubled their lead in the late stages of the game.

Still, it’s three points for Brazil that sees them become the second team to qualify for the next round after France. They face Cameroon on Friday, while Switzerland will need a win against Serbia.

Magic Moment: It was the only goal of the game (ignoring Vinícius' disallowed effort) but it was a thing of beauty. Brazil carved apart the Swiss defence and Casemiro thundered the ball home to seal the victory.

Man of the Match: Vinícius Júnior had to be the main man in the absence of the injured Neymar. The 22-year-old was a constant threat and was unlucky to have a goal chalked off.

xG: Brazil (1.28) 1-0 (0.39) Switzerland

Stat of the Day: Brazil are now unbeaten in 17 World Cup group games – a record in the competition. Norway’s 2-1 win back in 1998 is the last time Brazil lost in the group stages.

Vamos juntos, meu Brasa! 💛

📷: Lucas Figueiredo / CBF pic.twitter.com/Dxn4fMrrnY

— CBF Futebol (@CBF_Futebol) November 28, 2022