Casemiro Targets Repeat Of 2002 Success In Qatar World Cup

The 30-year old is able to remember the last time the Selecao were on top of the world, back in 2002 when Japan and South Korea co-hosted the tournament.

A star-studded Brazil side, featuring Golden-Boot winner Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, among others, lifted the trophy for the fifth time and Casemiro has fond memories of waking up early to see some of the matches.

“The first World Cup that I remember was the one that Brazil won in 2002,” Casemiro recalls.

“I remember that Brazil were playing their [knock-out] games in Japan as that tournament took place in Japan and [South] Korea.

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“I would get up at three in the morning to watch the games over in Brazil, and we won it too and so that is a great memory that I still have.”

Two decades on, the World Cup jamboree revisits Asia and Tite’s side are widely tipped to regain their crown in Qatar as they have quality running right through their squad.

“The really important thing here is to be able to give the Brazilian people the joy and happiness of winning a World Cup.

“Because we know that there is just so much passion for football in Brazil,” Casemiro stated.