Manchester United stars Casemiro and Matheus Cunha were under the spotlight as Brazil came out on top against Croatia
Casemiro reacts during a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026.
Casemiro was in action for Brazil in their 3-1 win over Croatia(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Casemiro and Matheus Cunha have both been praised in the Brazilian media for their role in the Brazil's 3-1 victory over Croatia. Carlo Ancelotti’s final preparation ahead of this summer’s World Cup came against his former player Luka Modric’s nation.
Following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to France last week, Brazil bounced back with a dominant display against Croatia in Orlando, Florida. Danilo broke the deadlock on the stroke of half time for Brazil, though the substitutes were the key difference makers late on.
Endrick won a penalty which was converted by Igor Thiago in the 88th minute while also providing the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage time goal. But, amid all the fresh faces, the more experienced Manchester United midfield duo of Casemiro and Cunha still earned plaudits for their performances.
Brazilian outlet Grupo Globo gave the former a match rating of 6/10, while fans gave him a somewhat harsh 5.4/10. Still, the captain’s impact was described positively, with the publication saying: "As usual, he ran a lot to close down spaces and recover balls – some of them in the attacking half, important for launching counter-attacks.
"He received a yellow card for a foul on Budimir at the edge of the penalty area. He left the field in the first round of substitutions, in the 15th minute of the second half."
Grupo Globo also handed Cunha a rating of 7/10, while fans gave him a 6.4/10. They wrote: "Important both with and without the ball. He worked hard to close down the left side of the defence, thus allowing Vini Jr. more freedom.
Matheus Cunha #7 of Brazil battles for possession with Nikola Moro #8 of Croatia during a match at Camping World Stadium on March 31, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
Cunha impressed against Croatia(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
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"In the 35th minute of the first half, he delivered a great pass to João Pedro, whose shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Then, in stoppage time, he initiated a counter-attack with a beautiful long pass, leading to the first goal."
However, the outlet went on to say that Cunha may be dropped from the starting line-up for the World Cup 2026. They claimed Ancelotti may try to fit Raphinha, currently injured, into Cunha’s preferred role behind the centre-forward ahead of the United playmaker.
Cunha and Raphinha had started against France in the previous game together, with Cunha being used centrally in a fluid front four, while Raphinha played out wide. The Barcelona man is racing to return for the World Cup, having picked up a hamstring injury in that fixture.
Matheus Cunha reacts during a friendly football match between Brazil and Croatia at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, on March 31, 2026.
Cunha's starting role could be threatened by Raphinha at the World Cup(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, ESPN Brasil deemed Casemiro’s performance worthy of a 6/10, saying: "As usual, he was solid in midfield and earned a rest for Fabinho's entrance."
They handed Cunha an improved 6.5/10, adding: "Good plays as a more mobile attacker, saw Livakovic make a beautiful save in the first half."
Estadao singled out both players’ performances, saying: "The midfield functioned well and the game flowed better with Danilo alongside Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in inspired form. The four-striker formation was repeated. The difference is that Cunha, playing as a playmaker, found spaces to set up his attacking teammates."