The Real Champs
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Real Madrid: Where the players stand after the Group Stage

By Mushtaq Nizamdin

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 29, 2018: The Telstar Mechta, the official match ball for the khockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, during a press conference by the Portuguese men's national football team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Uruguay, at Fisht Stadium. Sergei Fadeichev/TASS (Photo by Sergei FadeichevTASS via Getty Images)
SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 29, 2018: The Telstar Mechta, the official match ball for the khockout stages of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, during a press conference by the Portuguese men's national football team ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Uruguay, at Fisht Stadium. Sergei Fadeichev/TASS (Photo by Sergei FadeichevTASS via Getty Images) /
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Brazil

Brazil did not get the start that they would have wanted to at the World Cup. In their first game, they drew 1-1 against Switzerland having fans quite uneasy. Brazil are favorites to win the World Cup so naturally expectations are extremely high.

Despite the slow start they still finished top of the group with 7 points. The would win two matches and draw one. After the draw against Switzerland, they buckled down not conceding another goal but scoring five of their own.

Next: Real Madrid deny Flamengo's request to keep Vinicius

There was no shock win for Brazil as they were expected to top the group with relative ease. On July 2 they will take on Mexico in the Round of 16. Two players from Real Madrid for the Brazilian national team, Marcelo, and Casemiro. Both players are key for Real and carry that same importance with the national team.

Marcelo

Marcelo’s experience and leadership have him dawning the captain’s armband with Brazil, just another showcase of the quality at Real. In the group stage, Marcelo has been at his best playing 90 minutes in the first two games but subbing off 9 minutes into the third.

According to the team doctor for Brazil, the mattress at the hotel stiffened the defenders back which caused him to come off prematurely. Apart from his injury scare Marcelo has been doing his thing and looks like he’s having fun doing it. With his team dominating in possession Marcelo has had even more freedom in flying forward with Casemiro to cover his run.

Notable Stats:

  • 251 touches
  • 194 passes
  • Average 77% PA (pass accuracy)
  • 4 tackles
  • 2 interceptions
  • 2 clearances

Casemiro

The defensive midfielder has been enjoying his time with Brazil playing nearly every minute of the group stage. His incredible work rate has lightened the load immensely on his defense. Casemiro shows how vital a holding midfielder like himself can be, especially when playing with backs.

His movements and passing have been superb thus far and he doesn’t look to be slowing down one bit. The midfielder has led his team in at least one defensive stat in every game played.

Notable Stats:

  • 11 tackles
  • 6 interceptions
  • 9 clearances
  • 265 touches
  • 253 passes
  • Average 86% PA (pass accuracy)
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