Casemiro scored a stunning winner as five-time champions Brazil beat Switzerland to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup.
An otherwise drab clash came alive seven minutes from time when Manchester United midfielder Casemiro’s first-time effort left goalkeeper Yann Sommer standing and into the far corner.
Brazil backed their opening victory over Serbia to top the group with maximum points and will guarantee top spot with a point against Cameroon in their final game.
Tite’s men thought they had broken the deadlock after the hour mark when Vinicius Junior kept his composure to coolly strike home, but the goal was ruled out for offside by VAR.
Switzerland sat compact for most of the game and presented no attacking threat, failing to get a shot on target in the contest.
Murat Yakin’s side may have thought they were going to escape with a point, but Casemiro’s impressive moment sent the Brazilian fans inside the Stadium 974 bouncing.
‘Invisible man’ Casemiro stands the tallest.
For the most part, it looked like a drab, goalless draw before Casemiro’s moment of brilliance.
The midfielder was described as Brazil’s “invisible man” before the game by Gilberto Silva – who was part of their last World Cup winning side in 2002. It was a tribute to the midfielder’s quiet willingness to do the team’s dirty work.
But this time, Casemiro was the center of attention in the end, as he and his teammates celebrated the victory by jumping and singing in front of their fans.
It was a beautiful finish too – the Brazilian played quick interchange passes before Real Madrid substitute Rodrigo slipped a pass for Casemiro to finish off the angle with the outside of his boot.
Without injured star man Neymar, who was out injured and will not recover until the knockout stages, Brazil lacked motivation in the final third and had chances at a premium.
The tournament favorites are stacked with attacking players but it was their defensive midfield maestro who extended their unbeaten run in the group stage to a record 17 games.
Brazil took their first shot on 27 minutes, Vinicius Junior’s rough volley at the back post was pushed out by Sommer, while Rafinha’s effort from range was straight at the Switzerland goalkeeper.
The Swiss had to abandon their defensive shape as they conceded late on and more chances fell Brazil’s way but they failed to score any further goals.
Newcastle midfielder Bruno Gomaris’ header was straight at Sommer, while Rodrigo had the perfect opening for a second in injury time, but his powerful shot was superbly blocked by Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji.
