Brazil sealed qualification for the knockout stages with a game to spare (Picture: Getty)

Gary Neville is convinced Brazil can ‘raise their level’ against better opposition and win the World Cup in Qatar this winter.

The five-time world champions booked their place in the last 16 of the competition with a 1-0 victory over Switzerland on Monday afternoon.

With Neymar sidelined through injury, Brazil laboured at times against the stubborn Swiss until Manchester United midfielder Casemiro lashed home a superb effort after 83 minutes to seal the win.

Brazil also demonstrated patience in their group opener against Serbia last Thursday before Richarlison struck twice.

While France, Spain and England have all shown off their World Cup credentials with impressive performances so far, Neville has seen enough from Tite’s side to believe they will be able to take on other elite sides in the rounds to come.

Asked if Brazil can get to the World Cup final and win, Neville told ITV: They can.

‘I thought Spain vs Germany was the best game of the tournament by a mile last night. I think if Brazil were to play in that company it will raise them a level.

Casemiro on target against Switzerland (Picture: Getty)

‘They are not playing in that company yet but they are in a good place.

‘They have shown they can defend well, they have not had a shot on target against them today, but they have also shown they can change games and inject some urgency into it and bring quality off the bench.

‘I think they are in a pretty good place.’

Brazil take on Cameroon in their final group game on Friday with the Black Stars still fighting to qualify as group runners up, having kept their hopes alive in their 3-3 thriller against Serbia.

A draw against Cameroon is enough for Brazil to seal top spot in Group G.

Neymar is set to miss out as a result of the sprained ankle suffered in the opening game with full-back Danilo also recovering from an ankle problem of his own.

With Casemiro stepping up in his absence, Neymar declared the United stat to be ‘the best midfielder in the world for a long’ time.’

MORE : ‘I don’t know how he does it!’ – Gary Neville hails Chelsea star Thiago Silva after Brazil beat Switzerland

MORE : Casemiro scores stunning winner as Brazil secure place in World Cup knock-out stages against Switzerland

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