CASEMIRO raised eyebrows last night by appearing to wipe Brazil team-mate Neymar’s nose.
The Manchester United star was rejoined in the Selecao’s starting XI by Neymar , after the attacker missed two group games with an ankle injury.
Casemiro appeared to wipe Neymar’s nose for himThe Brazilian duo have played together for over a decade at international level Casemiro , 30, was captured on camera appearing to wipe his team-mate’s nose before giving him a hug.And eagle-eyed viewers were left baffled by the incident.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “What the hell just happened with Neymar and Casemiro?”;
And another asked: “What is he doing?”;
While a third joked: “Dani Alves must have been feeling very jealous.”;
Others likened Casemiro’s bond with Neymar to Rodrigo De Paul’s with Lionel Messi within the Argentina team.
The duo have been playing together for Brazil for over a decade.
Neymar, 30, picked up an ankle injury during his side’s tournament opener against Serbia â but his return last night against South Korea could scarcely have gone any better.
Brazil raced to a 4-0 half-time lead, courtesy of goals by Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta.
Paik Seung-ho did manage to belt home a consolation effort for South Korea in the second half, but it was Brazil who made it safely through to the quarter-finals with a 4-1 win .
Amid criticism of Neymar from some fans last month, Casemiro sought to defend his pal.
He said: “When you wish harm on someone, regardless of who they are, it is very serious.
“I am very sad, especially for being a person who helps so many people. Neymar doesn’t deserve this.”;
Brazil will face Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday, after the 2018 finalists edged past Japan on penalties.
