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Brazilian media weigh in on Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, praising one as ‘fundamental’

Originally posted on HITC | By Jonny Maze | Last updated Nov 16, 2025 9:59 AM ET

Casemiro and Matheus Cunha both featured for Brazil in their friendly against Senegal at the Emirates, putting in strong performances.

With Brazil playing a friendly against long-unbeaten Senegal ahead of the World Cup, Casemiro and Cunha did not have to travel far for international duty, as the match was held in London.

Both players started in the 2-0 win, with Casemiro getting on the scoresheet. The result sent a clear message about Brazil’s intent heading into the tournament.

The pair are expected to play important roles for Carlo Ancelotti’s side at next summer’s World Cup, and their recent form has not gone unnoticed back home.

Casemiro impresses for Brazil with standout display and goal

Casemiro has become the backbone of Brazil’s side, leading by example under his old Real Madrid manager.

Against Senegal, he was outstanding again, scoring one of the goals and earning high praise from the Brazilian press.

Globo gave him a 9/10 rating, highlighting how he controlled every part of the pitch.

They wrote: “One of the great names of Carlo Ancelotti’s passage through the National Team. Firm and safe defensively, he has been increasingly participative in the offensive phase. Estevao’s goal comes from a condition of Casemiro building from the inside until the ball is left for the young man, and scored the second in a rehearsed play that had already worked against Chile and South Korea, in bids in which he was caught offside.”

Bola VIP also praised Casemiro, giving him an 8/10 for his work going forward.

“He participated offensively, headed dangerously, and scored a goal from a set piece. At the end, he committed some hard fouls and received a yellow card.”

O Gol gave him 7.5/10 and highlighted his control over midfield.

“Owner of the midfield, makes the ball disappear when necessary. Times, controls, accelerates; another great match of midfielder crowned by second goal,” they wrote.

Matheus Cunha is Brazil’s underrated most valuable player right now

Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images

While Casemiro took the headlines, Cunha was also impressive, and that did not go unnoticed by the Brazilian press.

Globo gave Cunha a 7/10 match rating and called him a ‘fundamental’ part of the team: “He has a fundamental role in tuning the offensive quartet. Another great performance with movement to open spaces for teammates and offensive power. He appeared well to finish from the entrance of the area and hit the crossbar, and soon after, he hit the crossbar with a typical centre-forward header inside the area. He deserves the first goal in the Ancelotti era.”

On the other hand, Bola VIP gave Cunha an 8/10 for his display against Senegal: “He hit the dash twice and created great chances. Very mobile and participative, even without marking.”

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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