World Cup 2022 – Cameroon 1-0 Brazil: Cameroon out despite win over Brazil

Cameroon defeated a Brazil side resting many regulars but still saw their World Cup campaign come to an end after an entertaining encounter at the Lusail Stadium.

Cameroon acquitted themselves well throughout as Brian Buehmo brought a fine save from Manchester City’s Ederson to replace Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but Switzerland’s win over Serbia ended the African side’s chances of reaching at 16.

With his side already qualified after their opening two games, Brazil manager Tite made 10 changes and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli seized the opportunity to impress with a superb display in which he was denied on numerous occasions by the Cameroon goalkeeper, Davis Epassi.

The pre-tournament favorites finished top of Group G despite the defeat and now meet South Korea in the knockout stage after their dramatic win over Portugal saw them overcome Uruguay, who beat Ghana, with goal.

Brazil on cruise control

Brazil were in their comfort zone after winning their groups against Serbia and Switzerland, giving coach Tite the chance to shuffle his strong squad while showing the range of resources at his disposal.

They may have lost that game, but with qualification assured, Tite may not be too disappointed by the defeat as it did no damage to their group standings, and now has fresh legs for the start of the knockout stages.

Arsenal’s 21-year-old Martinelli was Brazil’s standout player, with Cameroon goalkeeper Paci making good saves from an early header and a shot destined for the top corner in the second half.

Martinelli’s tireless running combined with quality proved a thorn in Cameroon’s side and made an eloquent case for his inclusion should Tite wish to make changes as the World Cup progresses.

Brazil have shown enough in their two wins to justify pre-tournament optimism about their chances – they will now hope that Neymar, who cheered the fans with his team-mates on the pitch after the final whistle, can recovered from the ankle injury suffered in Serbia in time to make his expected contribution.

Cameroon bow in style

Cameroon may be out of the World Cup, but Rigobert Song’s side certainly added the quality and excitement that marked the group stage here in Qatar.

Brazil had most of the chances at the Lusail Stadium but Cameroon were always in the game and a threat, which was realized when the extroverted Aboubakar headed past Ederson nine minutes from time.

He paid the price for tearing his shirt in celebration as referee Ismail Elfath almost apologetically issued a second yellow card, followed by a red.

Goalkeeper Epassy also distinguished himself, particularly at the expense of Martinelli, to win the man of the match award.

Cameroon finally bounced back from their opening game defeat to Switzerland but showed character and quality to fight back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw against Serbia and then beat mighty Brazil in front of 85,986 fans here at Lusail.

The “Untamed Lions” may be returning home but they’ve certainly had their moments in Qatar.

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