'Best midfielder in the world' is Brazil's unlikely hero

He was described before the match as Brazil's key "invisible man", by Casemiro, who was being hailed as the "best in the world"

With seven minutes remaining and some fans heading for the exits, Casemiro fired an unstoppable,angled drive into the far corner of the net to send his side into the last 16 with a game to spare.

The goal delighted Brazil's greatest athletes, including Roberto Carlos and Cafu, who were sitting together at the stadium.

The player of the match said that he helped the whole team.

We win when we win and we lose when we lose. I don't think it changes my mindset.

We have to play as a group for the Brazil national team. That's the most important thing to do.

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Casemiro the fireman

There was a sea of green and gold on the metro and outside the stadium before the game, with fans wearing Brazil shirts, scarves and flags.

Although there were plenty of 'Neymar 10' shirts to be seen, not a single Casemiro 5 top was in sight.

Gilberto Silva, a member of the last Brazil team to win the World Cup, said that Casemiro has a great responsibility with his defensive duties so that those with the attacking talents can flourish.

Silva said that Casemiro's "intelligence" and "smart" made it easier for those in front of him to play.

Casemiro had to do it all himself and he did it four times. The player with the most shots was the one who scored his first goal.

A lifeless contest exploded when the United player's arrowed drive hit the back of the net and he joined his team mates at the final whistle as they jumped and sang in delight in front of their jubilant following

Victory sealed progression to the knockout stage and Neymar tweeted afterwards: "Casemiro has been the best midfielder in the world for a long time."

Tite replied with a smile and said that he respected opinions. I will allow myself to say something today.

"Yes, I do."

Casemiro plays in front of the back four and acts as the first screen in the 1998 World Cup final loss to France.

The difference in that position is because he can shoot from mid-range distances.

Casemiro wants to support the team and bring equilibrium. I need to help the players by putting out fires.

We have to feel what is happening when we play a defensive game. If there is a chance to take the kick on goal, that can be important as well.

Things 'very different' from four years ago

In August of this year, Casemiro moved to Manchester United from Real Madrid for a cool 60 million dollars.

A serial winner who has lifted almost every trophy, including five European titles and three Spanish ones. His CV doesn't include the biggest prize in football.

Four years ago, Brazil were knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage by Belgium, a match in which Casemiro did not play.

Casemiro said "I believe there are many things" when he was asked what is different now.

There are new players and we have a wide range of options. We don't have to change the team.

There is no doubt that the options are greater than last year.

According to Casemiro, there is a wide range of options and there is four years of preparation.

Young athletes have been able to grow. Today, who won? The process and development of the team is the most important part of the cake.

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