Brazil were one of the heavy favourites to win this winter’s World Cup but the South American giants were surprisingly eliminated last week after a nervy penalty shootout against 2018 finalists Croatia.
Tite’s men dominated proceedings in Qatar but failed to capitalise on it, with Croatia instead setting up a mouthwatering semi-final against Argentina.
Manchester United star Casemiro was at the forefront of Brazil’s campaign, impressing in all of his appearances. Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, it looks like this year was his final chance at world glory with his nation.
A couple of days after their heartbreaking exit, Casemiro has now spoken out on their shattered dream.
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“It’s been almost 3 days, but the pain lingers. I wanted to make this post with a cooler head and a better understanding of what happened, but it’s still hard to understand because of how we’re out of it. By far, this was the defeat that brought me the most pain in my entire career,” Casemiro wrote on Instagram.
“I imagine that you, who cheered for us so much, are also feeling similar pain and I am very sorry for that. Our biggest wish was to bring this title back to our country, to bring joy to you and we did everything we could. All of it. But football is like that: no matter how much you do everything right, there’s no way to control the result. I’ve experienced this a few times both for and against.
“I want to thank all the support from you who cheered and encouraged us in this Cup. Thanks from the heart
“I also thank Tite and the technical committee that says goodbye. You did a fantastic job in those 6 years and you deserved that title. I am so sorry for not coming. Wish you guys all the luck in the world for your upcoming endeavors.
“I’m sure we’ll overcome this pain and move on even stronger.”
Tite, who took charge of Brazil in 2016, announced that he would step down from his position as manager after the defeat. The 61-year-old won the 2019 Copa America, with Casemiro among the players in that squad.
Casemiro will now return to Manchester ahead of the resumption of club football next week but it is believed World Cup players will be handed a short break before returning to action.
In the absence of many first-team regulars, Erik ten Hag ensured the non-international players maintained their fitness by going on a mid-season training camp in Spain.
United faced Cadiz and Real Betis in friendlies using a squad mainly made up of fringe and academy players. The Reds lost both games but Ten Hag was quick to point out that there were positives to take from the trip.
