Brazil secured a nervy 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday to secure a place in the last 16.
With star forward Neymar out due to an ankle injury, Casemiro stepped up late, sending a beautiful half-volley into the side-netting to ensure 3 points for the Brazilians.
Overall, the Swiss did well to manage a potent Brazilian attack, but the defense finally gave way in the 64th minute when Casemiro played Vinícius Júnior through on goal with a nicely weighted pass, and the Real Madrid man slotted home a tidy finish.
However, the goal went to a VAR review and was called back due to an offside in the buildup, leaving the scoreline at 0-0 until Casemiro’s late winner.
The win places group- and tournament-favorite Brazil at the top of Group G with 6 points. Switzerland is in a decent position with 3 points in the group but will need a win against Serbia on Friday to guarantee a spot in the knockouts.
Expected goals (xG): Brazil 0.55, Switzerland 0.38
Man of the Match: Casemiro, Brazil
The match required a special moment to break the deadlock, and it was Casemiro who stepped up to the plate, scoring a beautiful game-winning volley in the 83rd minute to secure the win for Brazil.
Casemiro goal last night 😳pic.twitter.com/x25Yiad12M
— United Goals ⚽️ (@UnitedGoals__) November 29, 2022
Outside of scoring the game-winner, he completed 84.3% of his passes, eight line-breaking passes and what was nearly the opening assist had it not been called back for offside.
The Manchester United midfielder also won four of the eight challenges he was involved in and was successful on two of his three tackle attempts.
Best Passer: Thiago Silva, Brazil
The 38-year-old's 95.1% pass completion rate led all players in the game. He completed five of the seven line-breaking passes he attempted and found the target on his one ball over the top of the defense, rounding out another solid performance for the stalwart Brazilian defender.
Best Challenger: Nico Elvedi, Switzerland
The Swiss center-back was involved in more challenges than any other player on the pitch (13). He won 61.5% of those challenges, including all five aerial duels, and successfully defended the only dribble attempted against him in the match.
Goalkeepers
Yann Sommer could do absolutely nothing about Casemero’s game-winning volley that took a deflection en route to the side netting, but he saved four of the five shots on target he faced in the match.
Allison faced a total of five shots, but four failed to reach him due to a block made by one of his teammates.
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