Manchester United fans certainly have an interest in how the Brazilian national team is performing at this World Cup.
Two players involved
Matheus Cunha had an excellent first season at Old Trafford and has carried his fine form into the World Cup.
He has scored three goals and has been one of Brazil’s most impressive players in the tournament.
New signing Ederson was also included in the squad but has not played a minute yet.
Former Red Devil Casemiro is also heavily involved with the national team and scored the equalising goal in the 2-1 victory over Japan, which guided them into the last 16 of the competition.
Media react to Brazil victory
Despite their struggles, the five-time world champions finally made their way past a well-drilled Japanese side.
The Brazilian media had their say on the victory, and it was a mixed review for Cunha and Casemiro.
GE Globo was not overtly impressed with Cunha’s role in the victory, claiming, “there was a lot of movement to try and break down Japan’s defensive line, but he had few opportunities from the edge of the box.”
They also added, “he did manage a dangerous shot with their left foot, which Suzuki saved. In the second half, he dropped back after Endrick came on and had little contact with the ball.”
The report then turned to Casemiro, where they highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of his showing.
Commenting on his performance, they asserted, “Casemiro – Villain and hero. There’s no escaping the fact that Brazil only breathed a sigh of relief because of his header goal.”
Yet they found flaws in his game, explaining, “on the other hand, he had another subpar performance for most of the game. He struggled even in marking, received a yellow card very early on, was easily beaten in the play that led to the Japanese goal, and made numerous passing errors.”
ESPN Brazil was a bit more generous, giving Casemiro a score of 6.5/10 and argued, “he scored the goal that paved the way for Brazil’s victory, although, in his more natural role as a marker, he left something to be desired in the first half. He left injured.”
The sports network also gave Cunha a 5/10, like GE Globo, and remarked, “he had little influence compared to other games, and was neutralised by the Japanese defence.”
Both players will want to have a more positive influence when they take on Norway on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals.
Casemiro stats vs Japan
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 0.62 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 0.05 |
| Key passes | 0 |
| Crosses (accurate) | 0 (0) |
| Accurate passes | 68/76 (89%) |
| Passes in opposition half (acc.) | 47/52 (90%) |
| Passes in own half (acc.) | 21/24 (88%) |
| Long balls (accurate) | 7/10 (70%) |
| Total shots | 2 |
| Expected goals on target (xGOT) | 0.55 |
| Shots on target | 2 |
| Shots blocked | 0 |
| Big chances missed | 1 |
| Touches | 91 |
| Unsuccessful touches | 1 |
| Dribbles (successful) | 1 (1) |
| Possession lost | 9 |
| Total carrying distance | 151.7 m |
| Carries | 21 |
| Progressive carries | 2 |
| Total progression | 86.3 m |
| Progressive carrying distance | 37.3 m |
| Longest progressive carry | 22.1 m |
| Def. contributions | 8 |
| Tackles (won) | 1 (0) |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Blocked shots | 2 |
| Recoveries | 5 |
| Ground duels (won) | 4 (2) |
| Aerial duels (won) | 3 (2) |
| Fouls | 1 |
| Dribbled past | 1 |
Source: Sofascore
Featured image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
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1 comment
Casemiro isnt a United player so this article is pretty irrelevant