Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane and ITV pundit Lee Dixon both slammed Casemiro for his first-half performance for Brazil against Japan in the World Cup, before the 34-year-old scored the equalizer in a 2-1 comeback victory.
First-Half Criticism
Japan took the lead just before half-time through Kaishu Sano's brilliant long-range effort. Casemiro, starting alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Lucas Paqueta, struggled to contain Japan's midfield. On ITV co-commentary, Dixon said: "I'd be amazed if Casemiro comes out for the second half. He's a shadow of his former self wandering around in that midfield. He's just getting bypassed every time the Japanese players get the ball. He's given the ball away three or four times, not under pressure."
Keane echoed this at half-time in the ITV studio: "It's been a huge worry throughout the competition. Casemiro is already on a yellow card, and it certainly affects his decision-making. His first movement is to come out, but he has to be backtracking and protecting the goal. It's no good having all that experience if you're not going to use it."
Second-Half Redemption
Despite the criticism, Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti kept Casemiro on the pitch, and the decision paid off. The 34-year-old, who is set to join Inter Miami this summer, powered a brilliant header into the far post from Gabriel's cross to equalize. Martinelli, introduced on 66 minutes, completed the comeback after being set up by Guimaraes.
Japan had been on course for their first World Cup knockout victory, but Brazil ended strongly following a sluggish first-half showing. Japan remained disciplined throughout, sitting deep and allowing Brazil to dominate possession early on.
