Bruno Guimaraes made his World Cup debut on Monday, as Brazil made it two wins out of two.
The Newcastle United midfielder was initially named on the bench, with Tite opting to start Fred in midfield to replace the injured Neymar. That seemed like a ludicrous decision at the time, and it proved to be an incorrect one.
Brazil had been struggling against Switzerland, unable to impose themselves on their European opponents.
But they made changes in the second half, and that included Bruno making his first appearance of the tournament. The 25-year-old came on in the 58th minute to replace Fred, and showed exactly why he should have been in the starting lineup.
The Selecao eventually won 1-0 thanks to Casemiro’s late goal, confirming Brazil’s place in the knockout stages of the competition.
Bruno will hope for more minutes in the near future thanks to his cameo against Switzerland, and he has received a message of congratulations from his Newcastle teammate Joelinton.
Bruno Guimaraes ‘changed the game’ on his World Cup debut
After the game, Bruno took to his official Instagram account. He posted a picture from his appearance, and expressed his delight at playing his first ever minutes at a World Cup.
Bruno wrote: “Indescribable happiness to be able to play my first World Cup game. Everything I dreamed of, realized tonight. Thank you Jesus. Grateful for the ranking and the game Let’s go for more, Brasilllll.”
The Toon star’s message prompted a reply from his midfield partner in crime Joelinton, who sadly isn’t in Qatar with the Brazil squad despite his wonderful performances for Newcastle.
Joelinton commented: “Craque! Changed the game. Too happy for you brotha.”
The Newcastle number seven is spot on. Bruno played his part in changing the game for Brazil, in a tie where Switzerland frustrated the South Americans.
But Bruno came on and helped change the tide, doing more in half an hour than Fred managed in almost double the time.
After Neymar’s injury was confirmed, we stated that Bruno should be the one to replace him, allowing Lucas Paqueta to play in a more advanced role. But Tite (who obviously doesn’t read Geordie Boot Boys) decided to go with Fred – a decision he surely must regret now.
Hopefully Bruno has done enough to earn a start in Brazil’s final group game. And if he can impress there, perhaps it could be the beginning of an exciting World Cup run.
Throughout 2022, Bruno has shown Newcastle fans exactly what he is capable of. Now the world knows too.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
