Brazil head coach and Neymar argues United star Casemiro is “the best midfielder in the world”

Brazil are through to the World Cup knockout stages with a game to spare.

Brazil head coach Tite and injured star Neymar have argued that Manchester United summer signing Casemiro is “the best midfielder in the world”.

The United Center midfielder assured Brazil direct entry into the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2022. His stunning strike in the 83rd minute secured Brazil their 1-0 victory over Switzerland.

This result means they are through to the World Cup knockout stages with a game to spare. This prompted Neymar to tweet after the game: “Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time.”

Asked at his post-match press conference if he agreed, Tite said: “As a habit, I always respect opinions and I usually don’t comment on opinions, but I will allow myself to do so today. I agree.”

Without Neymar, the Yellow outfit was frustrated for long periods at Stadium 974 before Casemiro rounded off good work by Vinicius Junior and substitute Rodrygo to score the game’s only goal and send them into their final group fixture against Cameroon on Friday in a commanding position.

Asked about the Paris St Germain star’s absence, Tito said: “Obviously Neymar has a different skill-set. He is a player who in a magical moment can dribble past you and all of a sudden, you say, ‘What happened here?’. He has that skill.

“Other players are getting there to get to the level he is at and I hope they get there. Yes, we do miss Neymar, we do miss him. He has a big creative power, he’s very effective so we miss him, yes.

“But there are other players who can take their opportunity.”

Casemiro insisted Brazil were better placed to mount a serious challenge for glory than they were four years ago, when they were beaten by Belgium in the last eight.

He said: “Four years have gone by, there are new players. This year we have a wider range of options, we have more players to choose from.

“Without even changing the team, we have a possibility of changing the way we play. If we substitute players, we have even more options.

“Therefore, there is no doubt whatsoever that the options are much greater than those in 2018.”

See More: