Casemiro calls for Brazil to step forward

Veteran midfielder Casemiro says Brazil will look to rediscover its attacking instincts when it meets Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Brazil held Ecuador to a goalless draw in Guayaquil on Thursday in Carlo Ancelotti's debut as manager, showing defensive discipline but little attacking threat.

Casemiro, recalled by Ancelotti to the national squad after an absence of almost two years, said Brazil would need to take a more proactive approach to break down an in-form Paraguay at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo.

"Each game is a different story," said the 33-year-old, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid before his 2022 move to Manchester United.

"It will be a game with a lot of possession and Paraguay wanting to play on the counterattack. We will need to be switched on mentally and take our chances when they come.

"Brazil's main characteristic is always to attack, but having defensive solidity is already a step forward. There's no point in me saying here that we're playing well but the team's attitude in the last game was good. Now we have to prioritize the offensive aspect a little more."

Casemiro also praised Ancelotti's early impact on the squad, saying the Italian had brought "experience" and "peace" to a team in transition.

The former Sao Paulo and Porto player said he is enjoying his best form in years after a turbulent start to his spell at Manchester United.

"This has been one of the most important years of my career," he said. "I never stopped working and that has allowed me to come back stronger. Hard work always pays off and now I'm here, not because I know the coach, but because I earned it."

The winner of the clash will secure a ticket to next year's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada - but only if Uruguay beats Venezuela in Montevideo the same day.