He was described before the match as Brazil’s key ‘invisible man’, while full-time Casemiro was hailed as the ‘best midfielder in the world’.
With seven minutes left and a few fans heading for the exits, Casemiro launched an unstoppable, angled strike into the far corner of the net to leave the remaining fans roaring with joy and pulling his side into the last 16 with a game to loose.
The goal also delighted Brazilian greats Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Cafu, who sat together watching the game inside the stadium.
“I scored but it’s important to have helped the whole team,” said the midfielder, who was named player of the match.
“When we win, we win together, when we lose, we lose together. It doesn’t change my mindset.
“It’s a group, the Brazil national team as players, we have to play as a group. That’s the most important thing to get the title.”
Casemiro the fireman
It was a sea of green and gold in the metro and outside the stadium before kick-off, with fans adorning shirts, scarves and Brazil flags on the way to the game.
Fans crammed into Stadium 974 in numbers, far outnumbering their Swiss counterparts and although there were plenty of ‘Neymar 10’ shirts to be seen, not a single ‘Casemiro 5’ top was in sight.
Writing for BBC Sport, Former Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva, who was part of the last team to win the World Cup 20 years ago, said Casemiro had a “great responsibility” with his defensive duties so those with attacking talents can flourish.
Silva said Casemiro’s ‘smartness’ held the key, and being ‘smart’ as an ‘invisible’ midfielder on the pitch made it easier for those ahead of him.
In the end, Casemiro had to do it all himself, making more interceptions (four) than any player on the pitch. No player managed more than his two shots, as he ended up scoring his first World Cup goal.
A lifeless fight erupted as the United player’s arrow shot hit the back of the net and he joined his teammates at the final whistle as they jumped and sang in delight in front of their cheering home crowd.
The win sealed progress to the knockout stage and Neymar tweeted then: “Casemiro has long been the best midfielder in the world.”
Asked for his opinion, Tite replied with a smile and said, “Out of habit, I always respect opinions. I don’t usually comment but I will allow myself to do so today.
“I agree.”
Brazilian assistant Cesar Sampaio, who played in the 1998 World Cup final against France, added: “Casemiro manages in front of the four defenders and acts as the first screen.
“He can also shoot from mid-range, which makes a key difference in that position.”
Casemiro said: “It’s very clear that my very first goal is to support the team and bring balance. I have to support the players at the back and put out the fires wherever they are.
“When you play against a defensive opponent, we have to feel what is happening. My first duty is defensive, but if there is an opportunity to shoot on goal, that can also be important.”
Things “very different” from four years ago
After nine seasons at Real Madrid, Casemiro moved to Manchester United in August for £60m to fill the gaping hole in the center of their midfield.
A serial winner who has lifted almost every trophy, including five Champions League titles, La Liga three times and the 2019 Copa America. But the biggest prize in world football remains missing from his CV.
Four years ago, Brazil were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals by Belgium, a match where Casemiro did not play, with Fernandinho preferred in the center of the park.
But Brazil are the favorites to lift the trophy for the first time since 2002 and asked what is different now, Casemiro said: “I believe there are a lot of things.
“Four years have passed, there are new players and this year we have a wide range of options. We have more players to choose from without changing teams.
“We can change the way we play, so there’s no doubt the options are much bigger than in 2018.”
Tite added: “I will take inspiration from what Casemiro said: there is a wide range of options and there are four years of preparation.
“These young athletes were able to develop. Who won today? The process and the development of the team and that’s the icing on the cake.”
