ROY KEANE was forced to perform a major U-turn on Casemiro during Brazil’s clash with Japan.
The Brazilian midfielder was the subject of ridicule by many associated with during his Old Trafford stay.
Casemiro didn’t have the best performance in the first-half of Brazil’s clash with Japan Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK
But the former Manchester United man hauled his country back on level terms in the second half Credit: GETTY
Keane was perhaps the most vocal, declaring that he’d after the Red Devils’ 4-0 defeat to Crystal Palace two years ago.
He was equally as critical of the former United star’s first-half display in ‘s World Cup last 32 showdown with .
The ITV pundit said of Kaishu Sano’s breaking of the deadlock: “They give the ball away cheaply, but there’s still a long way to go.
“This is the bit that’s frustrating for me, you see , his first movement is to come out.
‘He’s got to be backtracking, protecting the goal, he’s got to be slowing the player down.
“He’s an experienced player but it’s no good having all that experience if he’s not going to use it.
“Credit to the attacking midfielder, very, very good, but Casemiro almost guided him to go past him.
“He had to stay goal-side. Just keep backtracking, slow him down and get numbers around you.
“Well deserved, a very good strike. But from Brazil’s midfield point of view, nowhere near good enough.
“I’d be surprised if he comes out for the second-half.”
Stay on Casemiro did, and he hauled his team-mates back on level terms with a well-placed header in the 56th minute.
And it forced United legend Keane to walk back on his earlier criticism of the former Real Madrid man.
He said: “We’ve been critical of Casemiro defensively, but we do know he’s a goal threat, always in the box.
Roy Keane was critical of Casemiro in the first half but changed his tune after the second half Credit: ITV
‘The delivery, and not just that, Casimiro… He sees it all the way, but his timing, my goodness, his timing is fantastic.
“Then again, we shouldn’t be surprised because he’s scored so many brilliant goals for United, he is an aerial threat.
“He’s like a striker in there, his instinct in the box is like a top striker.”
Japan’s hopes of reaching the last 16 were cruelly .
Brazil will play the winner of tomorrow night’s showdown between Norway and the Ivory Coast.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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