‘Upset’ Manchester United hero Casemiro hints at Brazil future after ‘painful’ World Cup exit

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro says it is “hard to find words” after Brazil’s unexpected World Cup quarter-final exit to Croatia on Friday but refused to declare his future at international level.

The midfielder started four matches for his country in Qatar, netting the late winner in their 1-0 group stage win over Switzerland. After a goalless 90 minutes against the Croats, Neymar’s dancing run had edged Brazil ahead in the first half of extra time.

However, a deflected effort from Bruno Petkovic levelled the game with three minutes to go. Casemiro hammered home his spot kick in the shoot-out but Pedro was the only other teammate to find the net as Marquinhos struck the decisive kick onto the post to send the pre-tournament favourites crashing out.

Speaking after the game, Casemiro attempted to unpack his emotions after a gruelling night. "All defeats are painful, especially when you have a goal, a dream, you have a four-year job for that moment,” he said, as relayed by GOAL.

“But it's hard to find words. Hard to find moments. It's lifting your head, life goes on. We are sad, everyone in the group did their best. We get upset, mainly because of the way it was.

“It was in our hand, it escaped there. Hard moment. Now it's peace of mind, life has to go on."

Casemiro refrained from ruling himself out of the international football scene, explaining he felt in good shape as things stand.

He added: "I'm 30, man. Of course, there are always kids, but I'm 30 years old, I'm living the best moment of my career, I'm very happy at the club I'm at. I missed an opportunity, but we need to see."

Casemiro will now fly back to Manchester as fellow Brazilians Antony and Fred refocus their attentions on the resumption of the domestic season at United.