On Friday, the “indomitable lions” celebrated a happy success thanks to a goal by Vincent Aboubakar in added time (92nd). However, Cameroon was at a disadvantage in the fight for the round of 16 against Switzerland, who defeated Serbia 3-2 in the parallel game. Despite the defeat, Brazil are group winners.
It was Cameroon’s first success at a World Cup in 20 years. In the end, the Central Africans finished third in Group G with four points. Brazil dominated the game for long stretches, but the newly formed team of team boss Tite didn’t particularly convince. The necessary efficiency was often lacking, especially on the offensive. South Korea is now waiting for the Selecao in the round of 16.
The Brazilians, who have already qualified for the round of 16, started the final group game with a “B-team”. Compared to the 1-0 win over Switzerland, only Eder Militao and Fred remained in the starting XI. Captain Dani Alves led the Selecao onto the pitch, while Ederson was allowed to play in goal. Cameroon changed the starting formations on four positions. This time, regular captain Vincent Aboubakar stormed alongside Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
There was a moving moment at Lusail Stadium before kick-off. Behind the goal, Brazilian supporters held up two shirts, one of which featured soccer icon Pele wearing his iconic number 10 and the message ‘Get well soon’. Superstar Neymar, who supported his team in the stadium for the first time after the ankle injury, also seemed moved. Pele had previously been hospitalized again.
After a rough start with two yellow cards, leaders Brazil slowly took over. A quarter of an hour had already been played when the Selecao became dangerous for the first time. Fred played a diagonal ball into the penalty area to Gabriel Martinelli, who headed straight in and forced Devis Epassy to make a strong save (15′). A little later one of the rare but tricky actions on the other side. Choupo-Moting served Tolo Nouhou on the left, whose cross Ederson was able to defuse in the five (21′).
Brazil were clearly the better team in the first half, but they often lacked the necessary penetrating power, especially offensively. Antony tried a flick into the far corner, but Epassy was there (38′). In injury time, Martinelli missed after a nice individual action (45 + 1.). Cameroon scored the first shot on the Brazilian goal just before half-time – and it was a tough one. Bryan Mbeumo failed with a well-placed header by Ederson (45+3′).
At the beginning of the second half, the game picked up speed. At first, Cameroon captain Aboubakar just missed the goal from the inside right (51′), then it became extremely dangerous twice on the other side. A flick by the conspicuous Martinelli forced Epassy to make a brilliant save (56′), shortly afterwards the goalkeeper showed uncertainty when Eder Militao scored from the center (57′).
After the turbulent start to the second half of the game, the game flattened out. Substitute Bruno Guimaraes only got in trouble again in the 83rd minute, and his shot was deflected to a corner. Cameroon scored the winning goal in added time. Aboubakar headed in dry after a cross from substitute Jerome Ngom Mbekeli. When the goal was celebrated, the captain, who had already been warned, took off his jersey and saw yellow and red for it.
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Source: Nachrichten
