Casemiro says lack of favourite tag can help Brazil stay sharp

Casemiro said Brazil can use their underdog status to stay alert at the World Cup.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro said not being seen as one of the top World Cup favourites could help his team stay focused when the tournament begins next week. He said the lack of outside expectation may keep Brazil “on their toes” as they prepare for the competition in the United States.

Casemiro made the comments after Brazil arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday, saying the squad is in good shape and has a mix of experience and young talent. He added that Brazil may be “a step behind” some other contenders, but that position can be useful if it keeps the players alert.

The midfielder said Brazil still believe they can produce a strong tournament, pointing to the balance in the squad and the quality available to head coach Carlo Ancelotti. He said that blend of seasoned players and younger options should help Brazil deliver a good World Cup.

Brazil head into the tournament without the burden of being the clear pre-event favourites, a label Casemiro suggested may suit them better this time. His remarks also reflected the idea that some other nations have had more time to build settled systems ahead of the competition.

Brazil are due to begin their World Cup campaign next week, and Casemiro said the team wants to arrive in the best possible condition. For him, the main advantage of the situation is simple: less hype, more attention, and a chance to build momentum during the tournament itself