Neymar? Apparently things are getting a little better. Brazil’s No10 suffered a serious ankle injury in their opening World Cup win against Serbia and then went to the physios in a manner of speaking, hoping to play again later in the World Cup, which is by no means certain. After the Paris Saint-Germain striker watched Brazil’s second game against Switzerland on TV, Neymar was present at the stadium on Friday night; he sat in the VIP box at the Lusail Stadium alongside Danilo and Alex Sandro (both Juventus), two other injured players. And he was always cheered in a friendly manner when he was displayed on the four gigantic scoreboards.
What did he see in the other moments? A game that tasted like artificial sweeteners. Until Cameroon’s striker Vincent Aboukar headed a counterattack in the 90th minute – and made it 1-0 for the “indomitable lions”. The result didn’t change the fact that Brazil progressed to the round of 16 as group winners – where they meet South Korea on Monday. With Switzerland missing a goal in the parallel game to overtake the Basilians, the defeat remained a blemish that made it impossible for the Brazilians to draw level with the World Cup team of 2002 in one respect: They went unbeaten at the time.
Two wingers are recommended for the starting eleven
The game was, after all, like a laboratory experiment under natural conditions for Brazil coach Tite – and an opportunity to give the players in the second row the feeling that they belong. He made nine changes compared to the second game. Among others, Dani Alves was allowed to play, the right-back led the Selecao onto the field in his 125th game as captain. Alves is now the oldest player to represent Brazil at a World Cup – and was in dire need of match practice. He played his last competitive game in Mexico at the beginning of October and then kept fit at FC Barcelona. Against Cameroon he delivered a sovereign performance in every respect. That should reassure Tite as Brazil’s injury problems at full-back are striking. On Friday, Alex Telles had to be replaced injured. After a header duel, he fell unchecked to the ground and left the pitch under his own power, but in unmistakable pain.
The two wingers came into play as alternatives for the starting eleven: Martinelli (left) and, to a lesser extent, Antony (right), who played for Vinícius and Raphinha respectively. Especially Martinelli (Arsenal) impressed with interesting actions. He had a lot to do with Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy (Abha Club, Saudi Arabia) becoming one of the game’s most striking figures. Martinelli had the first opportunity (15th minute) of the game and also one of the best of the second half. The Cameroonians didn’t have much to counter that. The only thing that really mattered was a header from Mbeumo, who tested the Brazilian substitute goalkeeper Éderson just before the half-time whistle. Until Aboubakar scored in injury time – and was thrown off the field because he had taken off his shirt to celebrate. But that didn’t matter in any way at the time. Because Cameroon was eliminated.
