Cameroon defeated a Brazil team that was hosting the regulars but still saw their World Cup campaign end after an entertaining contest at the Lucille Stadium.
Vincent Abu Bakr headed home the winner in stoppage time but his joy quickly turned to disappointment as he was shown a second yellow card for taking off his shirt.
Cameroon acquitted themselves well as Brian Mbemu made a superb save from Manchester City’s Ederson, deputizing Liverpool keeper Alisson, but Switzerland’s victory over Serbia ended the African side’s chances of reaching the last 16. finished.
His side have already qualified after their first two games, Brazil coach Tite made 10 changes and Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli took the opportunity to impress with a fine performance in which he was thwarted on several occasions by Cameroon keeper Daviess Ipasi. Made it.
The pre-tournament favorites finished top of Group G despite the defeat and will now meet South Korea in the knockout stages after their dramatic late win over Portugal saw them edge Uruguay, who beat Ghana on goal. But defeated.
Brazil on cruise control
Brazil were in a comfort zone after winning their group games against Serbia and Switzerland, giving coach Tite the opportunity to rotate his powerful squad while demonstrating the extent of the resources at his disposal.
They may have lost the game, but ably assured that Tite can’t be too disappointed with the loss as it didn’t hurt their group position, and now the knockout stages begin. He has fresh legs.
Arsenal’s 21-year-old Martinelli was the standout performer for the Brazilian, producing a fine stop from Cameron keeper Ipasi’s early header, and a shot into the top corner in the second half.
Martinelli’s relentless running, combined with quality, proved a thorn in Cameroon’s side and an eloquent case for Tite’s inclusion if he wants to make changes as the World Cup progresses.
Brazil have shown enough in their two victories to justify the pre-tournament optimism surrounding their prospects – they will now hope Neymar, who applauded the fans with his teammates on the pitch after the final whistle , can recover from an ankle injury. Serbia made its expected contribution on time.
Cameron bowed in style.
Cameroon may be out of the World Cup but Regobert Song’s side have certainly added to the quality and excitement that marked the group stage here in Qatar.
Brazil had most of the chances at the Lucille Stadium but Cameron was always in the game and a threat, culminating when extrovert Abou Bakr curled his header past Ederson nine minutes into stoppage time. .
He paid the price for tearing his shirt in celebration as referee Ismail Alfat almost apologetically issued a second yellow card, followed by a red.
Goalkeeper Ipasi also distinguished himself, notably at the expense of Martinelli, to pick up the Man of the Match award.
Cameroon were ultimately beaten in their opening game against Switzerland but showed character and quality to fight back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw against Serbia, and then Lucille here. I defeated the mighty Brazil in front of 85,986 fans.
The “Indomitable Lions” may be going home but they have certainly had their moments in Qatar.
