Brazil player ratings as Neymar is good but not great and defence shines in win over Serbia

Chris Bailey 00:03 28/06/2018
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  • This was the least eventful night for Brazil in Russia so far and that was certainly no bad thing for Neymar and Co, after World Cup holders Germany were sent packing earlier in the evening.

    There was the customary Philippe Coutinho magic but also a very efficient performance by the back-line and prowling guard Casemiro.

    Serbia showed class in fits and spurts and that was not enough as Switzerland finished in second place at their expense.

    BRAZIL (4-3-3)

    Alisson – Terrible punch into path of Mitrovic, which he was lucky not to concede from, was essentially his sole contribution. 5

    Fagner – Brazil have solved their right-back condundrum thanks to a confident performance from Fagner, full of neat touches. 7

    Thiago Silva – Cleaned up Alisson’s mess to block Mitrovic’s effort on the line and overpowered his marker to seal victory for the Canarinho. 8

    Miranda – There are easier challenges than containing a bulldozing Mitrovic and the Internazionale defender was more than equal to the task. 7

    Marcelo – Brazil’s most threatening outlet from wide areas hobbled off in the ninth minute and was replaced by Filipe Luis. 5

    Paulinho – Goal-scorer was buccaneering early on for the first time in this tournament and then tired. Not surprising given his workload this season. 7

    Casemiro – Was on top of Milinkovic-Savic and company except for a brief squall in the second half. Integral to Brazilian hopes. 8

    Philippe Coutinho – Another game, another moment for the scrapbook. Gorgeous weighted pass to Paulinho eased Brazilian nerves. 8

    Willian – Bullied off the ball far too often by more physical players though did create a good chance for Neymar late on. 6

    Gabriel Jesus – For a striker – a Brazilian one no less – to be heading into the knockouts without any goals is concerning. On the periphery again. 5

    Neymar – Swung in corner for Silva’s header and created a few chances, despite a constant swarm of defenders. Toned down the histrionics slightly, too. 7

    SUBSTITUTES

    Filipe Luis – He’s a Steady Eddie in a team full of Richie Riches. Solid enough but Marcelo’s forays, if he is to miss more time, will be sorely missed. 6  

    Fernandinho – Tite brought his engine on when Paulinho ran out of puff and he kept things ticking over nicely in midfield. 7

    Renato Augusto – On for the final 10 minutes, didn’t make an impression – though there was no need to. N/A

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