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RIO DE JANEIRO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazil midfielder Casemiro has admitted that the team's chances of beating Uruguay in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday will be aided by the absence of striker Luis Suarez.
Brazil will be guaranteed of a berth at next year's FIFA World Cup in Russia if they defeat Oscar Tabarez's team at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo.
Barcelona striker Suarez will miss the match due to suspension, and Real Madrid's Casemiro knows only too well the significance of the former Liverpool star's absence, having played against him in Spain's El Clasico.
"We can't deny that it's better to play Uruguay without Luis Suarez," Casemiro told reporters on Monday.
"But we have to be wary of all of their players. They are a dangerous team and it won't be easy."
Brazil currently lead the South American zone World Cup qualifying standings with 27 points from 12 matches. Uruguay are second with 23 points.
The top four teams at the end of the qualifying campaign will book an automatic World Cup place while the fifth-ranked side will earn a play-off spot. Enditem
