From the meme-celebration by Casemiro to leaving the pitch injured

The midfielder headed an equalizer against Japan and celebrated with a viral dance that even Di María had done in Argentina. That said, he worried everyone at the end...

Brazil was against the ropes. Japan had struck in the first half with a goal by Kaishu Sanoy, forcing the Canarinha to come from behind in a World Cup 2026 knockout match. Until Casemiro appeared. The experienced midfielder scored the 1-1, a key goal to bring the Verdeamarela back into the match, and once again performed a celebration that has become a trademark and quickly went viral.

After scoring, the 34-year-old midfielder performed his now-classic "Six Seven" dance and immediately put two fingers to his nose, as if he were smelling something. It is not an improvised gesture. Casemiro himself explained a few months ago that that movement means he can "smell the goal", a celebration he adopted during his time at Manchester United and that today is one of his identifying signs.

Casemiro's celebration explained

The "Six Seven" (6-7) is a viral dance born on TikTok and Instagram Reels that became popular among kids and young people in early 2026. It has no specific sporting meaning: it is simply a choreography that became a trend on social networks and that many footballers began to imitate when they scored goals.

Video: D Sports.

In Casemiro's case, the origin is even more personal. The Brazilian said that all his celebrations are chosen by his son Caio, a Manchester United fan. Every time he goes out to play, he asks him which celebration he wants him to do if he scores.

"Honestly, all my celebrations are decided by my son. The 'Six Seven' came from him. And this other one (bringing his fingers to his nose) means I can smell the goal," Casemiro had explained.

That said, the bad news for him and for Brazil was that he could not finish the match. At the 90-minute mark he went down to the ground because he couldn't continue due to his left adductor. In fact, the doctors came on, examined him and Ancelotti decided to replace him. There is a lot of concern for him.

Casemiro's celebration was also done by Di María

In Argentina, that same celebration also gained popularity a few months ago thanks to Ángel Di María in a Rosario Central victory over Independiente. Fideo used it after one of his goals and later revealed that it was dedicated to his daughters, reproducing the same choreography that had gone viral on social networks.

In a match that had started very difficult after Sano's goal, Casemiro not only appeared to score a decisive goal in Brazil's comeback, but also once again left an image that went around the world after his viral celebration.

The video of Japan's goal against Brazil

Sano shot from distance and made it 1-0 for the Asians. (Video: DSPORTS)

HOUSTON (SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT).