Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has faced criticism for his performance in the World Cup last-32 match against Japan, with ITV commentators describing him as "a shadow of his former self." The veteran player, who recently departed Manchester United as a free agent to join Inter Miami, appeared to struggle with Japan's midfield intensity.
During the first half, Casemiro was caught out for Japan's opening goal, with Kaishu Sano driving past him to score. ITV commentator Lee Dixon offered a harsh assessment, stating that Casemiro "has no legs" and appeared diminished from his past capabilities. Dixon, who has previously commented on Casemiro's perceived decline, even suggested he would be surprised if the player returned for the second half.
Roy Keane, also providing commentary, echoed these sentiments. "Casemiro's first movement is to come out but he's got to be backtracking and protecting the goal," Keane said of the midfielder's role in the opening goal. He added that an experienced player like Casemiro should be utilizing his experience to slow down attackers and protect the goal, rather than appearing to guide them past him. Keane concluded that from Brazil's midfield perspective, the performance was "nowhere near good enough."
Casemiro, alongside Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and former West Ham player Lucas Paqueta, found Brazil's midfield being overrun by a Japanese team that effectively utilized a 3-4-3 system, which also nullified the impact of Vinicius Jnr.
Despite the strong commentary criticism and Keane's speculation, manager Carlo Ancelotti did not substitute Casemiro at halftime. Instead, Lucas Paqueta, who was reportedly limping, was replaced by Endrick in Brazil's midfield adjustment.