Brazil Admit Toiling At World Cup Without Injured Neymar
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published November 29, 2022 | 02:10 AM
Doha, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Nov, 2022 ) :Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes admitted the World Cup favourites lacked some of their usual verve after they needed a late Casemiro strike to beat Switzerland and secure a place in the last 16.
The five-time World Cup winners knew a second straight win in Group G on Monday would clinch their place in the knockout phase with a game to spare.
But it looked like they would have to settle for a draw until Manchester United's Casemiro, not known for his goalscoring, popped up with a deflected strike seven minutes from time to seal a 1-0 win.
"It was a really difficult game and a 0-0 suited them, but the most important thing is that we are through," said Newcastle's Guimaraes, who came on as a second-half substitute at Doha's Stadium 974.
He replaced Fred, who was in the starting line-up in the absence of Neymar, sidelined with an ankle injury suffered in Brazil's opening 2-0 win over Serbia.
"Neymar is such a player, a real star. What team wouldn't miss him?" he asked.
Despite the absence of Neymar, matchwinner Casemiro believes Brazil are a more complete team now than four years ago, when they crashed out of the World Cup in Russia in the quarter-finals.
"Four years have gone by and there are new players," said the former Real Madrid star, who was one of the few survivors from a draw with Switzerland in the 2018 group stage.
Tite's side are yet to concede a goal in Qatar, having let in just five goals in 17 games in South American qualifying.
"Our defenders are more experienced and that is another match with a clean sheet, but it's not just about Alisson or the back four, it starts from Richarlison up front," Casemiro said.
"I think we have a wider range of options."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan among nine poor countries that produces 90 percent cigarettes for world
Drug peddler arrested; 2310 grams hashish recovered
Bushra Bibi's medical tests conducted in best private hospital: NA told
Ambiguous terms in 'Nikah Nama' can't be used against bride: SC
Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar renews Pakistan’s commitment to promoti ..
Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan visits general bus stand, inspect ..
Director General HDA for completing development work on Gulistan-e-Sarmast Hous ..
EU parliament's youngest lawmaker eyes re-election
Fake chilli factory unearthed
10 dead as floods wreak havoc in Kenyan capital
WASA launches comprehensive campaign to test quality of water
Food Authority team conducts operation in Jackson market harbor area
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
1 day ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
4 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago