Casemiro has 69 caps for Brazil (Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)
Brazil star Casemiro has vowed to continue with the national team after their shock defeat at the 2022 World Cup to Croatia.
The tournament favourites have exited Qatar much quicker than expected after losing to dark horses Croatia on penalties in Friday’s quarter-final match.
The result left fans and players distraught, while talisman Neymar and captain Thiago Silva were among those suggesting that they had played their last World Cup or even their last game for Brazil full stop.
It would not be a surprise to see 30-year-old Casemiro, arguably his country’s best performer in Qatar, also hang up his (Brazil) boots in the near-future.
But the Manchester United defensive midfielder is not thinking about International retirement, saying post-match: ‘I’m 30, man.
‘Of course, there are always kids, but I’m 30 years old, I’m living the best moment of my career, I’m very happy at the club I’m at. I missed an opportunity, but we need to see.’
Brazil had looked to be heading to the semi-finals when Neymar’s stunning, record-equalling goal put the Selecao ahead in extra-time, only for Bruno Petkovic to equalise in the final few minutes.
Casemiro scored his penalty in the shootout defeat (Photo by Matthew Childs – Pool/Getty Images)
Casemiro slotted home from the spot in the shootout, but it was not enough as former Real Madrid teammate Rodryo and Marquinhos missed their penalties to allow Croatia to win 4-2.
It means that Brazil’s wait for a record-extending sixth World Cup triumph will go on to at least 24 years.
‘All defeats are painful, especially when you have a goal, a dream, you have a four-year job for that moment,’ Casemiro added.
‘But it’s hard to find words. Hard to find moments. It’s lifting your head, life goes on. We are sad, everyone in the group did their best.
‘We get upset, mainly because of the way it was. It was in our hand, it escaped there. Hard moment. Now it’s peace of mind, life that has to go on.’
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World Cup 2022: your FAQs answered
Tournament favourites Brazil lost on penalties to Croatia.
