For all the attacking talent in Brazil’s team, it is Casemiro who is the most important player, according to Luis Felipe Scolari.
According to the former Selecao boss, the holding midfielder brings ‘balance’ to the side and makes everything click into place.
Scolari was the last manager to lead Brazil to World Cup glory back in 2002 and has had his say on the current crop of stars.
‘The player who makes the difference in Brazil is Casemiro, he gives balance to the national team’s game,’ he said.
‘He allows Marcelo, Neymar and the other attacking players to have more freedom.’
Scolari was at the helm for Brazil’s 7-1 thrashing at the hands of Germany at the home World Cup four years ago.
The veteran boss also managed Portugal between 2003-2008 and thinks they will be a threat in Russia.
‘It is a World Cup in which collective work will prevail and Cristiano Ronaldo is part of a Portuguese team that works very well under Fernando Santos.’
‘They are the current European champions but Cristiano is part of a group and he won’t be able to win alone. I think they will qualify for the knockout stages and it is there that other difficulties begin,’ he added.
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