Brazil midfielder Casemiro celebrates after scoring the only goal of the World Cup group-stage game against Switzerland at Stadium 974 in Doha, on November 28, 2022. AFP
Brazil midfielder Casemiro celebrates after scoring the only goal of the World Cup group-stage game against Switzerland at Stadium 974 in Doha, on November 28, 2022. AFP
Brazil's Casemiro is mobbed by teammates after scoring. AP
Brazil's Casemiro is mobbed by teammates after scoring. AP
Brazil's Casemiro watches his shot hit the back of the net. AP
Brazil's Casemiro watches his shot hit the back of the net. AP
Brazil's Casemiro celebrates after scoring as Swiss players look dejected. AFP
Brazil's Casemiro celebrates after scoring as Swiss players look dejected. AFP
Brazil's Vinicius Junior scores, but the goal is ruled out by VAR for offside. PA
Brazil's Vinicius Junior scores, but the goal is ruled out by VAR for offside. PA
Brazil's Richarlison under pressure from Nico Elvedi of Switzerland. AP
Brazil's Richarlison under pressure from Nico Elvedi of Switzerland. AP
Vinicius Junior scores for Brazil but goal was ruled offside. Getty
Vinicius Junior scores for Brazil but goal was ruled offside. Getty
Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring only for goal to ruled out for offside. Getty
Vinicius Junior celebrates scoring only for goal to ruled out for offside. Getty
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer catches a cross. AP
Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer catches a cross. AP
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka challenges Eder Militao of Brazil. AFP
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka challenges Eder Militao of Brazil. AFP
Brazil's Richarlison under pressure from Nico Elvedi of Switzerland. AP
Brazil's Richarlison under pressure from Nico Elvedi of Switzerland. AP
Brazil's Vinicius Junior after missing a chance in the first half. Reuters
Brazil's Vinicius Junior after missing a chance in the first half. Reuters

World Cup

Neymar hails 'best in the world' Casemiro after watching Brazil from hotel room

PSG forward missed the 1-0 World Cup win over Switzerland with an ankle injury

Jon Turner

November 29, 2022

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Neymar described Casemiro as the "best defensive midfielder in the world" as the Brazil superstar watched his team book their place in the World Cup last 16 from his hotel room.

Brazil defeated Switzerland 1-0 at Stadium 974 on Monday for their second straight win in Qatar to join France, and later Portugal, in the knockout stages.

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Casemiro scores Brazil winner against Switzerland to seal spot in next stage of World Cup

For a team spoilt with attacking talent, it was an unlikely matchwinner who proved decisive as Casemiro smashed home a fine finish in the 83rd minute.

Neymar was the notable absence from the Brazil team after the Paris Saint-Germain forward injured his ankle during the opening 2-0 win over Serbia which ruled him out for the rest of the group stage.

He was the only player who did not go to Stadium 974 for the team’s second match in Qatar. Danilo, who also missed the game because of an ankle injury, accompanied the rest of the squad to the stadium.

Forward Vinicius Junior said Neymar also had a fever on Monday, though the team had not officially said anything about it.

“He was sad he couldn’t come to the game,” Vinicius said. “He wasn’t feeling well. Not only because of the foot, but also because he had a little bit of a fever. We are hoping that he can recover as soon as possible.”

Neymar posted an Instagram story showing him watching the match on television while undergoing treatment on his foot.

“Casemiro has been the best defensive midfielder in the world for a long time,” Neymar wrote on Twitter.

Brazil v Switzerland player ratings

Alisson Becker 6: Second consecutive clean sheet as Brazil made their best start to a World Cup for 20 years. He hasn’t faced a single shot on target in both games. Brazil are going big on defence. And wins. AP
Alisson Becker 6: Second consecutive clean sheet as Brazil made their best start to a World Cup for 20 years. He hasn’t faced a single shot on target in both games. Brazil are going big on defence. And wins. AP
Militao 6: Usually a centre-half, he moved to right-back as Danilo is injured. Wasn’t as advanced as Brazilian full-backs of yore. There’s a pragmatism to this Brazil side. EPA
Militao 6: Usually a centre-half, he moved to right-back as Danilo is injured. Wasn’t as advanced as Brazilian full-backs of yore. There’s a pragmatism to this Brazil side. EPA
Marquinhos 7: The only player on the pitch who had more than 100 touches. Untroubled in the air, even had a shot himself. Always in control. AP
Marquinhos 7: The only player on the pitch who had more than 100 touches. Untroubled in the air, even had a shot himself. Always in control. AP
Thiago Silva 7: Blocked a 52nd minute Switzerland attack after Brazil were caught out. Moved up and down the pitch with ease. Defies his age by performing at the highest level for 98 minutes. AFP
Thiago Silva 7: Blocked a 52nd minute Switzerland attack after Brazil were caught out. Moved up and down the pitch with ease. Defies his age by performing at the highest level for 98 minutes. AFP
Alex Sandro 7: Effective on the left as Brazil weren’t at their best, but they won again and were always in control. AFP
Alex Sandro 7: Effective on the left as Brazil weren’t at their best, but they won again and were always in control. AFP
Casemiro 8: Fast one touch passing regularly split the Swiss. Blocked Swiss efforts, thought he’d set up Vinicius for the opening goal. Then he finally put his side ahead with the game’s only goal, a slightly deflected wonder strike. AFP
Casemiro 8: Fast one touch passing regularly split the Swiss. Blocked Swiss efforts, thought he’d set up Vinicius for the opening goal. Then he finally put his side ahead with the game’s only goal, a slightly deflected wonder strike. AFP
Fred 7: Effective alongside his Manchester United teammate Casemiro. Brazil were more workmanlike with two midfielders and Neymar absent, though Fred plays in a more advanced role for club compared to country. Booked for a foul after he miscontrolled the ball. AFP
Fred 7: Effective alongside his Manchester United teammate Casemiro. Brazil were more workmanlike with two midfielders and Neymar absent, though Fred plays in a more advanced role for club compared to country. Booked for a foul after he miscontrolled the ball. AFP
Lucas Paqueta 6: Victim of his side going too narrow in the first half. Brazil were much better when they used width in the second. Getty
Lucas Paqueta 6: Victim of his side going too narrow in the first half. Brazil were much better when they used width in the second. Getty
Vinicius Junior 8: Denied by the goalkeeper after sneaking behind his marker to sweep the ball at goal just before half-hour mark – Brazil’s first effort on goal. Thought he’d put his side ahead in second half but was caught offside - which had been problem in opening 45. Some super balls in during the second. And thought his 93rd minute shot was going in until blocked. AP
Vinicius Junior 8: Denied by the goalkeeper after sneaking behind his marker to sweep the ball at goal just before half-hour mark – Brazil’s first effort on goal. Thought he’d put his side ahead in second half but was caught offside - which had been problem in opening 45. Some super balls in during the second. And thought his 93rd minute shot was going in until blocked. AP
Raphinha 6: Ran inside from the left and took a shot on target in first half but was straight at keeper, but his side didn’t attack much in opening 45 minutes. AFP
Raphinha 6: Ran inside from the left and took a shot on target in first half but was straight at keeper, but his side didn’t attack much in opening 45 minutes. AFP
Richarlison 6: The main man up front, but isolated with little service in first half. Just missed a beautiful 56th minute ball in from Vinicius. Man of the night against Serbia, but not the Swiss. Getty
Richarlison 6: The main man up front, but isolated with little service in first half. Just missed a beautiful 56th minute ball in from Vinicius. Man of the night against Serbia, but not the Swiss. Getty
SUBS: Rodrygo (On for Paqueta 46’) 7: Had a late shot saved as Brazil tried to finish the game with a flourish. PA
SUBS: Rodrygo (On for Paqueta 46’) 7: Had a late shot saved as Brazil tried to finish the game with a flourish. PA
Bruno Guimaraes (On for Fred 58’) 7: Helped Brazil continue increasing the pace against an obdurate Switzerland side – but that coincided with Switzerland’s best spell. Getty
Bruno Guimaraes (On for Fred 58’) 7: Helped Brazil continue increasing the pace against an obdurate Switzerland side – but that coincided with Switzerland’s best spell. Getty
Gabriel Jesus (On for Richarlison 74’) 7: Brought on as Brazil pushed for a winner, even though a draw would have been enough to send them through. PA
Gabriel Jesus (On for Richarlison 74’) 7: Brought on as Brazil pushed for a winner, even though a draw would have been enough to send them through. PA
Antony (On for Raphinha 74’) 7: Fast, brought down and asked for a card. Not a good look. Tricks and flicks. PA
Antony (On for Raphinha 74’) 7: Fast, brought down and asked for a card. Not a good look. Tricks and flicks. PA
Alex Telles (On for Sandro 86’) N/A. Getty
Alex Telles (On for Sandro 86’) N/A. Getty
SWITZERLAND RATINGS Yann Sommer 7: Called into serious action for first time just before half-hour mark when he palmed Vinicius Junior’s scuffed volley wide for corner. No chance with Casemiro’s thumping finish that also took slight deflection. Tipped over Rodrydo shot minutes after goal. Reuters
SWITZERLAND RATINGS Yann Sommer 7: Called into serious action for first time just before half-hour mark when he palmed Vinicius Junior’s scuffed volley wide for corner. No chance with Casemiro’s thumping finish that also took slight deflection. Tipped over Rodrydo shot minutes after goal. Reuters
Silvan Widmer 7: Caught napping on cross in first half which allowed Vincius Junior free shot at goal but Brazilian failed to connect properly allowing keeper to save. One beautiful first touch followed by low cross into box that Brazil scrambled away after break. AFP
Silvan Widmer 7: Caught napping on cross in first half which allowed Vincius Junior free shot at goal but Brazilian failed to connect properly allowing keeper to save. One beautiful first touch followed by low cross into box that Brazil scrambled away after break. AFP
Nico Elvedi 8: Almost paid price for being on wrong wide of Richarlison after 20 minutes but Spurs attacker failed to get touch on cross. Vincius Junior skipped over his sliding challenge ahead of goal that was disallowed for offside. Despite these minor aberrations, was part of a well drilled Swiss defensive performance. Getty
Nico Elvedi 8: Almost paid price for being on wrong wide of Richarlison after 20 minutes but Spurs attacker failed to get touch on cross. Vincius Junior skipped over his sliding challenge ahead of goal that was disallowed for offside. Despite these minor aberrations, was part of a well drilled Swiss defensive performance. Getty
Manuel Akanji 8: Has hit ground running in England since moving to Man City and defender was impressive again here. Timed his challenges well, knocked some lovely cross-field passes out from back and was unlucky when Casemiro’s winner clipped his backside on its way into net. Brilliant block late on to deny Rodrygo. AP
Manuel Akanji 8: Has hit ground running in England since moving to Man City and defender was impressive again here. Timed his challenges well, knocked some lovely cross-field passes out from back and was unlucky when Casemiro’s winner clipped his backside on its way into net. Brilliant block late on to deny Rodrygo. AP
Ricardo Rodriguez 7: Right back should be pleased with his performance up against the dangerous Raphinha who failed to make any impression on game and was taken off in second half. AFP
Ricardo Rodriguez 7: Right back should be pleased with his performance up against the dangerous Raphinha who failed to make any impression on game and was taken off in second half. AFP
Remo Freuler 7: Part of a rock-solid midfield axis with Xhaka who helped make life very difficult for the Brazilians in centre of park. AP
Remo Freuler 7: Part of a rock-solid midfield axis with Xhaka who helped make life very difficult for the Brazilians in centre of park. AP
Granit Xhaka 7: Swiss captain, enjoying a fine season for club side Arsenal, had to play a far more defensive role than with the Gunners but barely put a foot wrong. No sign of his infamous short fuse either. EPA
Granit Xhaka 7: Swiss captain, enjoying a fine season for club side Arsenal, had to play a far more defensive role than with the Gunners but barely put a foot wrong. No sign of his infamous short fuse either. EPA
Djibril Sow 6: Had shot on edge of box blocked by Vinicius Junior as Swiss finally exerted a bit of attacking pressure on Brazil early in second half. Like his teammates, spent match chasing and harrying Brazil rather than launching any attacks. Reuters
Djibril Sow 6: Had shot on edge of box blocked by Vinicius Junior as Swiss finally exerted a bit of attacking pressure on Brazil early in second half. Like his teammates, spent match chasing and harrying Brazil rather than launching any attacks. Reuters
Fabian Rieder 6: Helped keep pressure on Brazil when South Americans in possession but little influence attacking wise. Earned first booking of match for blocking Rodrygo early in second half. AP
Fabian Rieder 6: Helped keep pressure on Brazil when South Americans in possession but little influence attacking wise. Earned first booking of match for blocking Rodrygo early in second half. AP
Ruben Vargas 7: Decent cut-back from right side of penalty area after 21 minutes when Embolo should have been further forward to take advantage in rare Swiss first-half attack. One of few who looked like could make attacking impact so was slight surprise that he was hooked before hour mark. Getty
Ruben Vargas 7: Decent cut-back from right side of penalty area after 21 minutes when Embolo should have been further forward to take advantage in rare Swiss first-half attack. One of few who looked like could make attacking impact so was slight surprise that he was hooked before hour mark. Getty
Breel Embolo 5: Forward, who scored the winner against Cameroon last time out, never got sniff of goal although feeding on meagerest of scraps in terms of service. Blocked an Alisson clearance in second half but Swiss couldn’t capitalise. AP
Breel Embolo 5: Forward, who scored the winner against Cameroon last time out, never got sniff of goal although feeding on meagerest of scraps in terms of service. Blocked an Alisson clearance in second half but Swiss couldn’t capitalise. AP
Breel Embolo 5: Forward, who scored the winner against Cameroon last time out, never got sniff of goal although feeding on smallest of scraps in terms of service. Blocked an Alisson clearance in second half but Swiss couldn’t capitalise.
Breel Embolo 5: Forward, who scored the winner against Cameroon last time out, never got sniff of goal although feeding on smallest of scraps in terms of service. Blocked an Alisson clearance in second half but Swiss couldn’t capitalise.
SUBS: Edimilson Fernandes (On for Vargas 59’) 5: Mainz player couldn’t inspire any great attacking impetus for the Swiss. AP
SUBS: Edimilson Fernandes (On for Vargas 59’) 5: Mainz player couldn’t inspire any great attacking impetus for the Swiss. AP
Renato Steffen (On for Rieder 59’) 5: No impact from winger against a tough and experienced Brazil defence. AFP
Renato Steffen (On for Rieder 59’) 5: No impact from winger against a tough and experienced Brazil defence. AFP
Haris Seferovic (On for Sow 76) N/A. Reuters
Haris Seferovic (On for Sow 76) N/A. Reuters
Michel Aebischer (On for Embolo 76’) N/A. AFP Alexander Frei (On for Widmer 86’) N/A.
Michel Aebischer (On for Embolo 76’) N/A. AFP Alexander Frei (On for Widmer 86’) N/A.

Brazil coach Tite used midfielder Fred as Neymar’s replacement against Switzerland, while Eder Militao came in for Danilo in the right-back position.

The right ankle also kept Neymar from playing in the 2019 Copa América in Brazil. Five years earlier, he was taken out of the World Cup in Brazil after hurting his back in the quarter-finals against Colombia.

Neymar, trying to win his first major title with Brazil, is making his third World Cup appearance. He is two goals shy of Pelé’s all-time record of 77 with the national team.

Brazil’s last group match is against Cameroon on Friday.

Scores:

Day 4

England 290 & 346
Sri Lanka 336 & 226-7 (target 301)

Sri Lanka require another 75 runs with three wickets remaining

UAE jiu-jitsu squad

Men: Hamad Nawad and Khalid Al Balushi (56kg), Omar Al Fadhli and Saeed Al Mazroui (62kg), Taleb Al Kirbi and Humaid Al Kaabi (69kg), Mohammed Al Qubaisi and Saud Al Hammadi (70kg), Khalfan Belhol and Mohammad Haitham Radhi (85kg), Faisal Al Ketbi and Zayed Al Kaabi (94kg)

Women: Wadima Al Yafei and Mahra Al Hanaei (49kg), Bashayer Al Matrooshi and Hessa Al Shamsi (62kg)

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

On Women's Day
Sole survivors
  • Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
  • George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
  • Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
  • Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
On Women's Day
Updated: November 29, 2022, 8:44 AM`
World Cup