Defeated the record world champion, but missed the miracle: Cameroon made a sensational farewell to the World Cup with a win against Brazil.
However, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Co. did not fulfill their dream of reaching the round of 16. Cameroon prevailed 1-0 (0-0) against the 1B selection of the Selecao, in which superstar Neymar was again missing. Vincent Aboubakar (90+2) was the star of the evening with his goal – but the surprising success wasn’t enough because Switzerland beat Serbia in the parallel game.
Aboubakar’s goal ended a nine-game winless run for Cameroon. Aboubakar saw the yellow and red card after his goal because he had taken off his shirt while celebrating. Brazil didn’t perform magic, but the previously qualified Selecao maintained their lead in Group G and headed into the second phase of the tournament as group winners for the eleventh year in a row. Opponent in the round of 16 is on Monday (20:00 CET) South Korea.
“It was really a wake-up call. We didn’t play very well. We have to learn a lesson from that,” said Dani Alves: “We have to play more concentrated. Sometimes a small detail makes all the difference. Now comes the phase when you don’t make a mistake be careful. We must not let up.”
Superstar Neymar, absent from the field again after suffering an ankle injury and a bout of fever, followed the action at the Lusail Stadium from just behind the bench in the stands. The Brazilian association had previously published a video on Instagram showing the 30-year-old in the hotel doing coordination exercises and light training with the ball.
“Pélé, get well soon”
With the round of 16 ticket in his pocket, Brazil coach Tite relied on the players from the second row. Compared to the game against Switzerland, he changed nine positions, only Fred and Eder Militao remained in the starting XI. For example, right-back Dani Alves, who at the age of 39 became the oldest Brazilian World Cup player, was used from the start.
Before kick-off, the Selecao supporters wished Brazilian football legend Pélé, who had been hospitalized again a few days ago, a get well soon: “Pélé, get well soon,” read a huge banner behind the goal.
The Brazilian understudy, who are in the hunt for their sixth World Cup title, also had the game under control from the start. The South Americans had their first big chance through Gabriel Martinelli (14′), but his header was denied by Cameroon keeper Devis Epassy.
Cameroon keeper keeps his team in the game
In front of 85,986 spectators, Cameroon only rarely came towards the opposing goal. Brazil defended consistently. Martinelli had Brazil’s best chance to date just before the break, but Epassy prevented the lead again (45’+1′). Shortly thereafter, the Brazilians conceded the first shot on their goal at this World Cup: Bryan Mbeumo’s header forced goalkeeper Ederson to make a brilliant save (45′ + 3′).
After the break, things got tricky again in front of the Brazilian goal. Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar shot just wide (51′). On the other hand, goalkeeper Epassy kept his team in the game. But Brazil didn’t do magic this time – and so Aboubakar was the star of the evening.