Two Manchester United players feature in Brazil’s starting XI to face Switzerland.
Both Casemiro and Fred start in midfield as Brazil look to make history if they avoid defeat against the Swiss. They are undefeated in their previous 16 World Cup group stage matches, and no team has ever gone through 17 games without a defeat.
That means it has been nearly a quarter-century since they were last defeated in a group stage match at the World Cup. They are the favorites too, but without the creativity of Neymar, it will be interesting to see how they cope against a team that boasts a solid defence.
Brazil XI to face Switzerland, while Antony has been named on the bench: Alisson; Militao, Silva, Marquinhos, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Fred, Paqueta; Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Richarlison.
If either Brazil or Switzerland come away from the game with three points, they are guaranteed a spot in the next round, so there’s a lot on the line this evening.
Last time out, Brazil beat Serbia 2-0 and Switzerland overcame Cameroon in a cagey 1-0 affair.
We are sending our best wishes to Casemiro and Fred because they’ll both be desperate to book their place in the knockout stages.
Can Brazil go all the way in Qatar?
Former World Cup winner Gilberto Silva believes Casemiro and Fred are key to Brazil’s hopes of going all the way this winter.
The former Arsenal midfielder, who won the World Cup in 2002, represents Fred and believes two United players will have a big influence on Brazil’s campaign.
“Casemiro started alongside Lucas Paqueta in Brazil’s first group game,” Silva told BBC Sport. “But he finished the game alongside his usual partner for the national team, his Manchester United team-mate Fred. I have watched them play many matches together now and, for Brazil, they have lost only once – the 2021 Copa America final against Argentina.
“It works very well because Casemiro sits at the back, like I did, and Fred is more mobile, like Kleberson was when he was next to me in our midfield at the 2002 World Cup. But Fred is also defensively strong. He is not just in front of Casemiro, he plays alongside him too and helps him do his job.They have an understanding now and I’m hoping this partnership will work well again at this World Cup. such an important part.”
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