Under the watchful eyes of the legendary, Cafu, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo, their successors struggled to produce the Selecao’s traditional entertaining brand of football. Nevertheless, Tite’s men did just enough to earn their second win in the tournament and secure their rightful spot in the World Cup Round of 16. So here are our player ratings for Brazil who prevailed over Switzerland with Casemiro’s goal being the lone difference between the two sides.
Brazil (4-3-3)
Alisson Becker – 6
For the second match in a row, the Liverpool custodian didn’t have to produce a single save. We’re not exactly sure if he should be content, bored or frustrated at this point.
Eder Militao – 6.5
The Real Madrid defender replaced the injured Danilo and was equally solid on the right lane. Far from adventurous, but undoubtedly solid.
Marquinhos – 7
The PSG centre-back won the vast majority of his duels against Embolo and Sow. Pushed forward on some occasions to help his teammates in the buildup.
Thiago Silva – 7
Another commanding display at the back from the Brazil captain who didn’t give Embolo a sniff at the ball.
Alex Sandro – 6
The Juventus veteran is only able to make occasional runs these day, and they aren’t always fruitful. Left the pitch in the final minutes, apparently due to a knock.
Fred – 6
An industrious display from the Red Devil who ran hard for the cause, but couldn’t quite add the quality touch that the Selecao were desperate for in the first hour.
Casemiro – 8
An excellent outing from the Man United star. Once deemed to be a midfield enforcer, he has surely proven himself to be a complete midfielder. Dominated the centre, provided an exquisite assist for Vini’s disallowed goal, before smashing home the winner at a crucial instance. Need anything else?
Lucas Paqueta – 5.5
An energetic display from the former Milan man but was at times wasteful with the ball. He was hauled off by halftime in favor of Rodrygo.
Raphinha – 6
The Barcelona winger started on a positive note, linking up with Vinicius and testing Yann Sommer with a shot. But his impact was vastly reduced after the break.
Richarlison – 5.5
Similarly to the match against Serbia, the Spurs forward didn’t make his presence felt for large spells. But while he made up for it by scoring a stunning brace last time out, it never happened for him against the resilient Elvedi and Akanji.
Vinicius Junior – 7
The Real Madrid star was also involved in the action. He missed the first big chance for Brazil in the first half, but made up for it with a clinical finish, until it was denied by an offside call on Richarlison. Nonetheless, it was his movement on the left flank that led to Casemiro’s goal.
Read our Player Ratings for Switzerland
Substitutes
Rodrygo – 7
The Real Madrid youngster added depth in the final third and provided the assist for Casemiro with a slick touch. Could have scored one himself late in the match but was denied by Akanji’s block.
Bruno Guimaraes – 6
A solid if unspectacular cameo from the Newcastle man who consolidated his team’s dominance in the middle of the park.
Gabriel Jesus – 6
The Arsenal striker created some space for those around him with his tricky movement and smart pickups.
Antony – 5.5
The Man United star had difficulties in surpassing Ricardo Rodriguez on the right wing.
Alex Telles – N/A
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