Brazil advances to the World Cup quarterfinals as a Casemiro goal against Switzerland

The Brazilians had been frustrated by an obstinate Swiss team at Doha's Stadium 974, and a Vinicius Junior shot in the second half was disallowed for offside.

Brazil, who were missing Neymar due to injury, needed a late goal from Casemiro to beat Switzerland 1-0 on Monday, securing their spot in the World Cup last 16 with one game to spare. The Brazilians had been thwarted by an obstinate Swiss team at Doha's Stadium 974, and a Vinicius Junior shot in the second half was ruled for offside after a VAR examination. With seven minutes to go, Bruno Guimaraes flicked the ball on to Casemiro just inside the box, and the Manchester United midfielder's shot sailed into the net thanks to a little but considerable deflection from Manuel Akanji.

Tite's team is just the second to qualify for the last 16 after France, and the only team other than the holders to have won both group matches in Qatar.

With six points, they may be tempted to rest players for their last Group G encounter against Cameroon on Friday, when a draw would guarantee them first place.

Switzerland, however, failed to register a shot on target but still on track to qualify, with the previous 3-3 draw between Serbia and Cameroon implying that a win over the Serbians will send Murat Yakin's side through, while a draw may possibly enough. They have a record of reaching at least the first round of big events, but Brazil is in Qatar to win a sixth World Cup, and nothing less will suffice.

The Selecao were always going to miss Neymar, however coach Tite is sure the PSG sensation can recover from his ankle injury in time to participate in the finals.

After Richarlison's brilliance made the difference in their first triumph over Serbia, the Brazilians were reminded of the European game's depth.

Four years earlier, they were held by Switzerland in the group stage before being eliminated by Belgium in the quarterfinals.