Casemiro calls for Brazil to step forward as they close in on World Cup qualification

Straits Times

4 days ago

Casemiro (centre) said his Brazil call-up is on merit rather than due to his close relationship to national team coach Carlo Ancelotti. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Casemiro calls for Brazil to step forward as they close in on World Cup qualification
– Veteran midfielder Casemiro said Brazil will look to rediscover their attacking instincts when they meet Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on June 10.
Brazil held Ecuador to a goalless draw in Guayaquil on June 5 in Carlo Ancelotti's debut as coach, showing defensive discipline but little attacking threat.
Casemiro, recalled by Ancelotti to the national squad after an absence of almost two years, said Brazil would need to take a more proactive approach to break down an in-form Paraguay at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.
'Each game is a different story,' said the 33-year-old, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid before his 2022 move to English Premier League giants Manchester United.
'It will be a game with a lot of possession and Paraguay wanting to play on the counter-attack. We will need to be switched on mentally and take our chances when they come.
'Brazil's main characteristic is always to attack, but having defensive solidity is already a step forward. There's no point in me saying we're playing well, but the team's attitude in the last game was good. Now we have to prioritise the offensive aspect a little more.'
Casemiro also praised Ancelotti's early impact on the squad, saying the Italian, who turns 66 on the day of the clash, had brought 'experience' and 'peace' to a team in transition. The former Sao Paulo and Porto player said he is enjoying his best form in years after a turbulent spell in his second season at United.
'This has been one of the most important years of my career,' he said.
'I never stopped working and that has allowed me to come back stronger. Hard work always pays off and now I'm here, not because I know the coach, but because I earned it.'
Brazil are in fourth spot on 22 points in the South American standings, two points and a spot adrift of Paraguay. The top six teams will qualify directly for showpiece tournament, while the seventh-ranked side will earn a play-off spot.
The winners of the Brazil-Paraguay clash will secure their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada but only if Uruguay beat Venezuela in Montevideo on the same day.
Knowing a spot on the sport's grandest stage is within reach is motivation enough for Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro, who said on June 8 that his side, who last featured at the World Cup in 2010, will approach the clash with Brazil with the belief.
'These are the kinds of matches in which we have everything to win and nothing to lose,' the 62-year-old Argentinian said.
'Brazil is always a difficult opponent but, at the same time, we know that if we win we could get the outcome that we've been striving for. It's a dream that has been put on hold for 15 years.'
Paraguay are unbeaten in nine games since Alfaro replaced Daniel Garnero as coach last August. While accepting that Brazil would pose a stern test under new coach Ancelotti, Alfaro expressed confidence that his team had the mindset to overcome the five-time world champions.
'I have no doubt that our attitude is what stands us apart and that we can maintain the same determined approach in every game we play,' he said. XINHUA
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