Lula thanks Ancelotti for keeping Casemiro on against Japan

Brazil's president Lula da Silva has publicly thanked Carlo Ancelotti for keeping Casemiro on the pitch during Brazil's 2–1 round of 16 victory over Japan at the World Cup. "I want to thank him for not taking Casemiro off," Lula said, praising his former São Paulo midfielder (1). Japan had taken the lead through Kaishu Sano's first international goal, but Casemiro's presence in midfield helped Brazil stay in the fight before Vinícius Júnior equalised and Gabriel Martinelli struck deep in stoppage time to end the Samurai Blue's campaign. Lula's admiration for Casemiro dates back to his goal in a famous 5–1 win over Bolivia at Morumbi.