Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have received praise in the Brazilian media for their performances in Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia in Orlando, Florida. The win came as a response to a disappointing 2-1 loss to France last week, with the substitutes making a significant impact late in the game.
Grupo Globo awarded Casemiro a match rating of 6/10, while fans gave him a 5.4/10. The outlet noted his usual high work rate in closing down spaces and recovering balls, some of which launched counter-attacks. He received a yellow card for a foul on Budimir and was substituted in the 60th minute.
Cunha received a 7/10 from Grupo Globo and a 6.4/10 from fans. They highlighted his defensive work on the left side, which allowed Vinícius Júnior more freedom, and his key passes, including a through ball to João Pedro and a long pass that initiated the first goal. However, the outlet suggested Cunha could lose his starting spot for the 2026 World Cup to Raphinha, who is currently injured but expected to return.
ESPN Brasil rated Casemiro a 6/10, describing him as solid in midfield, and gave Cunha a 6.5/10, praising his mobility and a shot saved by Livakovic. Estadao noted that the midfield functioned well with Danilo alongside Casemiro and Cunha, who found spaces to set up teammates in a four-striker formation.
