Brazil top Group G despite losing 0-1 against Cameroon
Rigobert Song’s side needed to win and hoped Serbia would pick up at least one point from their duel with Switzerland to secure a place in the top two, but they were level against second-placed Brazil for much of the game.
Vincent Aboubakar, meanwhile, headed an upset win for the African nation in second-half stoppage time but, having been booked, he was promptly sent off after ripping off his shirt in celebration.
Despite the memorable win, Cameroon’s fate was sealed when Switzerland beat Serbia 3-2, eliminating the Indomitable Lions to leave Brazil leading on goal difference.
Brazil’s coach, Tite, has not been afraid of change, getting the best out of the team that beat Switzerland 1-0 in the round of 16 and Gabriel Martinelli, who began his career at a World Cup in the XI with nine changes, has been in the center of the vain selection of the attempts of the Selection in the first half.
The Arsenal striker had his first important chance of the game in the 14th minute after picking up Fred’s cross over the bar, but Devis Epassy managed to deflect his header over the bar.
Brazil continued to dominate the game, albeit without clear chances, although Martinelli continued to circle Collins Fai on the left flank, while Antony and Rodrygo also caused dart problems.
Epassy was forced to make a comfortable save from an Antony try in the 38th minute when the Manchester United player struck off his left foot before firing a tame shot into the goalkeeper’s arms.
However, just before half time, Song’s side missed a great opportunity when Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo had to deflect Ederson’s header past the Manchester City goalkeeper.
The counter-attack did not dent Cameroon’s momentum as Aboubakar fired Mbeumo’s pass just off the bar in the 51st minute.
Despite the threat from the Indomitable Lions, Martinelli soon reignited his never-ending battle with Epassy, who made another great save for the 21-year-old in the 56th minute before bringing down an Eder Militão attempt to finally clear the ball. to the thrust of the post.
Throughout the second half the Selezione maintained their lead and in the last 15 minutes the equalizer was still to be broken, but a Cameroon goal would have made no difference as Switzerland maintained their 3-2 lead over defending Serbia.
Substitute Olivier Ntcham came under pressure from the Cameroonians for a long-range goal on 78 minutes and the Swansea City player did just that, but Ederson was given the right to have his way.
In the second minute of stoppage time, countless wasted chances hit Brazil again as Aboubakar found an excellent cross from Jerome Mbekeli and Ederson was blocked with a well-placed header into the far corner despite wearing a commemorative send-off shirt. while receiving it. a yellow card just 10 minutes earlier.
Aboubakar shook hands with referee Ismail Elfath, who had a smile on his face when he received the red card, and Brazil’s wave of conspiracy continued as Martinelli and Bruno Guimarães missed a chance to save a point at the last moment.
Cameroon did not play after the final whistle at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, but Switzerland’s match against Serbia ended just a minute later, confirming third place for Song’s team.
Meanwhile, Brazil will continue their quest for glory in Monday’s round of 16 clash with second-seeded South Korea in Group H.
Lineups:
Cameroon Replacements: 11 C. Bassogog, 22 O. Ntcham, 5 G. Ondoua, 7 G. Nkoudou, 12 K. Toko Ekambi, 17 O. Mbaizo, 1 S. Ngapandouetnbu, 2 J. Mbekeli, 14 S. Oum Gouet, 9 J. Nsame, 26 S. Marou
Brazil Replacements: 22 Éverton Ribeiro, 9 Richarlison, 20 Vinícius Júnior, 7 Lucas Paquetá, 5 Casemiro, 25 Pedro, 12 Weverton, 17 Bruno Guimarães, 11 Raphinha, 3 Thiago Silva, 1 Alisson, 4 Marquinhos
Scorers:
90′ Vincent Aboubakar
Yellow Cards:
Pierre Kunde
Collins Fai
Nouhou Tolo
Vincent Aboubakar
Eder Militao
Bruno Guimaraes
Red Card:
Vincent Aboubakar
