Switzerland won the important game in Group G against Cameroon. Matchwinner was a native of Cameroon.
In Group G, Switzerland can hope to reach the round of 16. Against Cameroon won the “national team” on Thursday (November 24th, 2022) 1:0 (0:0). The goal of the day was scored shortly after the start of the second half with Breel Embolo, a former Bundesliga professional. Embolo scored against his country of birth.
Switzerland is struggling before the break
In the as “Key game for second place” in the difficult Group G with Brazil and Serbia, Switzerland had ball possession advantages in the first half. The “Nati”, coached by Murat Yakin in advance as self-confident “one of the best Swiss national teams ever” praised, did against the strong and high-tarnishing “lions” from Cameroon but difficult for a long time. In the only big chance of the first half, Manuel Akanji headed the ball just wide of the goal (45′ + 1′).
Cameroon initially more dangerous
That’s how they would have “irresistible lion” from Cameroon had to lead at the break: At the best chance, Bryan Mbeumo failed from a tight angle at Mönchengladbach’s Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer (10′). Toko Ekambi shot the margin from ten meters free-standing. Shortly thereafter, Bayern Munich striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was also unable to beat Sommer (14′). And Martin Hongla also found his champion in Sommer, who recovered in time for the World Cup after tearing a ligament (30th).
Switzerland kicked too pomadig before the break, tried to build up the game over many stations, but could not outsmart the tight defense of the Cameroonians. The Africans, on the other hand, convinced in the first half with fast and straightforward counter-pressing.
No embolo cheers after leadership
With the restart, the appearance of Switzerland changed. Coach Yakin’s team got through the midfield more quickly and relied on fast, transitional football themselves. And the “national team” was rewarded immediately: Breel Embolo completed a quick attack via Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler and Denis Zakira in the middle to make it 1-0 (48′). Only Embolo held back his celebrations: the former Schalke and Mönchengladbach player Player scored against his country of birth.
Switzerland can increase
With the lead behind them, Switzerland became more confident and could have raised. With the best chance, Ruben Vargas failed free-standing from close range to Cameroon keeper André Onana (66th). In injury time, Haris Seferovic then had the 2-0 on his foot, but did not put the ball in the goal alone (90 + 6).
Choupo-Moting awards compensation
Cameroon needed some time to recover while falling behind. The Africans had a much harder time against the Swiss, who were now defending higher, than in the first round. Rigobert Song’s team only had one big chance after the change: Choupo-Moting was saved by Sommer from a tight angle (57′).