Casemiro stunner sends Brazil into World Cup last 16

Casemiro’s thunderous second-half goal earned five-times champions Brazil a 1-0 win over stubborn Switzerland at the Stadium 974 on Monday and a place in the World Cup’s last 16.

🎟 Brazil have booked their ticket to the Round of 16@adidasfootball | #FIFAWorldCup

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022

Brazil looked like they were missing the creativity offered by their absent star Neymar as they continually tried to break down Switzerland’s resolute defense only to come away empty handed.

Murat Yakin’s team arrived at the stadium slightly late after being involved in a minor road traffic accident en route from their hotel. Mercifully no one was hurt and, to Brazil’s dismay, Switzerland’s concentration appeared unaffected.

Vinicius Junior thought he had broken the deadlock in the 63rd minute, only to have VAR intervene and rule the effort out due to Richarlison’s offside position earlier in the move.

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Brazil, however, increasingly stretched Swiss defensive elastic.

It finally snapped when Manchester United’s Casemiro applied the outside of his right boot to the ball and sent a glorious half-volley swerving into the net leaving a wrong footed, static, Yann Sommer – possibly deceived by the gentlest of deflections off Manuel Akanji – helpless.

Brazil top the standings in Group G with six points, followed by Switzerland on three. Cameroon and Serbia have one point each.

Who will join Brazil in the Round of 16 from Group G?#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 28, 2022

Brazil face Cameroon next as they look to top the group, while Switzerland will aim to secure second spot with a win against Serbia.