Casemiro calls for Brazil to step forward for World Cup qualification

SAO PAULO – Brazil’s veteran midfielder Casemiro said they will look to rediscover their attacking instincts when they host Paraguay in a World Cup qualifier on June 10 (June 11, Singapore time).

The Selecao held Ecuador to a goal-less 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 they would need to be more proactive to break down an in-form Paraguay at the Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo, reported Xinhua.

“Each game is a different story,” said the 33-year-old, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid before joining English Premier League giants Manchester United in 2022.

“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 is also encouraged by Ancelotti’s early impact on the squad, saying the Italian, who turns 66 on the day of the match, had brought “experience” and “peace” to a team in transition.

The former Sao Paulo and Porto player said he is enjoying his best form after a turbulent spell in his second season at United, adding: “This has been one of the most important years of my career.

“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 fourth on 22 points in the South American standings, two points and one rung adrift of Paraguay. The top six teams will qualify directly for the showpiece tournament, while the seventh-ranked side will earn a play-off spot.

The winners of the Brazil-Paraguay clash will book their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada – but only if Uruguay beat Venezuela in Montevideo in an earlier match.

Knowing a spot in the 48-team Finals is within reach is motivation enough for Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro.

He said that his side, who last featured at the World Cup in 2010, will approach the clash with Brazil with belief, reported Xinhua.

“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 admitting that Brazil would provide a stern test, Alfaro expressed confidence that his team have what it takes 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.