Neymar has described Brazil international teammate Casemiro as the “best midfielder in the world” after his starring role in his nation’s World Cup win over Switzerland.
Neymar was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Serbia in their first World Cup game on Thursday. The Paris Saint-Germain man was then pictured in tears on the bench, whilst images of his swollen ankle began to circulate on social media after the game.
The Brazilian superstar was subsequently ruled out of his nation’s next group games against Switzerland – which Brazil won 1-0 on Monday evening – and is almost certain to miss the following group clash against Cameroon.
Brazil managed to find a way to win without their talisman Neymar on Monday as Casemiro's bolt from the blue earned the Selecao qualification for the Round of 16 after a hard-fought clash with a dogged Switzerland. The Manchester United midfielder struck late on to secure a difficult but deserved win for Tite’s team.
That prompted Neymar to write on his Twitter account following his nation’s victory, honouring his international teammate: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”
Casemiro produced a starring performance in the heart of the Brazil midfield and ironically, it was the injury to Neymar that allowed him to pair up with his club teammate Fred in the centre of the pitch – with the United midfielder taking the place of Neymar in the starting line-up.
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It was an imperious performance by Casemiro – who joined United this summer after a glorious spell at Real Madrid, where he won five Champions League titles – and has bolstered the midfield of Erik ten Hag’s team, instantly establishing himself as one of the Premier League ’s star players.
Switzerland boss Murat Yakin told reporters after his side’s defeat: "Well the gameplan for a long time seemed to be working. We had a lot of good running and we believe now, that looking at the result, it's a sad outcome for us.
"We let it slip through our fingers. In offence we lacked courage -- so I congratulate Brazil on their win and with a little more luck, we could have done more. We have a lot of good takeaways here and that's important for the next game."
