Cameroon – Brazil 1:0, CHANGE: The Canaries lost for the first time at the World Cup, but it did not help Cameroon to progress

The game in Lusail was decided by captain Vincent Aboubakar, who was immediately sent off, in the second minute of stoppage time. The five-time world champions lost for the first time in 17 matches. The Cameroonians won the World Cup for the first time since 2002 and after nine matches. Switzerland accompanied the Brazilians to the round of 16 thanks to a 3:2 win over Serbia.

Brazilian coach Tite, aware of a certain progress, significantly changed the starting line-up, in which the injured striker Neymar was still missing. The team was led by 39-year-old fullback Daniel Alves as the oldest Brazilian captain in World Cup history. The Cameroonian team was without goalkeeper Onana for the second time in a row, who went home after an argument with coach Song. As against Serbia, Inter Milan’s goalkeeper was replaced by Epassy between the posts.

He flashed for the first time in the 14th minute against Martinelli’s header. The Brazilians had the upper hand in the rest of the first half, but they only created a better chance in the set-up, when Martinelli’s next attempt was deflected by Epassy. His counterpart Ederson saved Mbeuma’s header with a brilliant save just before the break.

The Cameroonians also threatened at the beginning of the second half, when Aboubakar narrowly missed the goal. The active Martinelli reached the finish for the third time, but Epassy won the duel again. The goalkeeper of the Saudi Arabian team, Abhá, continued to shine and also neutralized the blows of Antony and Militao.

The Brazilians then cut back a lot and conserved their strength. However, even the Cameroonians got into the attack only sporadically, for example Ederson stopped Ntcham’s shot in the 89th minute. At the other end, Bruno Guimaraes failed in a promising position after another substitute Raphinha’s pass.

Aboubakar unexpectedly headed Cameroon into the lead in the second minute of regulation, but then took off his shirt while celebrating his second goal of the tournament and was sent off after a second yellow card. The Brazilians conceded for the first time in this year’s championship.

The Canaries did not take advantage of the short numerical advantage, apparently with the best chance to equalize, Bruno Guimaraes missed the goal from close range. Cameroon’s first-ever win over Brazil was not enough to advance, as they lost two points to the Swiss in the final table.