Brazil ended up surpassed by 1 to 0, this Friday afternoon (2) at the Lusail Stadium, for the third round of Group G of the Qatar Cup. However, even with this setback, the Brazilian team secured the leadership of the group, and will measure forces with South Korea in the round of 16.
Cameroon go out with their heads held high! ??
An incredible climax to an outstanding Group Stage… ?@adidasfootball ?? #FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2022
Entering classified for the last game of the first phase gave coach Tite the opportunity to put the entire reserve team against Cameroon. The strategy had already been used in this Cup by France and Portugal, both with disastrous results. A warning that the national technical commission did not take seriously. In the case of the Brazilian team, changing ten players (only Fred was kept from the last match’s starters), did not change the dominance of the actions and the greater possession of the ball, but, in the end, the result was the same as the other great teams. : embarrassing defeat with a goal in stoppage time.
Despite the defeat, the team even started better. In the 13th minute, with a cross in the area, Martinelli went up alone and headed high, but goalkeeper Epassy tipped the corner. It was Brazil’s first dangerous move in the game. At 19 minutes, it was Cameroon’s turn to arrive with danger, in a cross to the area that goalkeeper Éderson punched away.
Only in the 37th minute did the team attack again. Antony tried to kick in place, but it made life easier for Epassy, who fit in firmly. In the 45th minute Martinelli decided to do it all by himself, he passed through the defense and filled his foot, but the goalkeeper swerved for the corner in Brazil’s best move.
At 47, it was Éderson’s turn to save Brazil with a precise header by Mbeumo. A very important defense.
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Dani Alves is tonight’s #BRA captain ✨
Timeless ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WCCFwQaidE
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2022
With little movement, betting on the balls raised in the area, Brazil made life easier for the Cameroonian defense, which managed to cut off the attacks. Thus, with Rodrygo leaving at speed alone, with Fabinho appealing for hard shots and Gabriel Jesus inoperative in front, the selection settled with the tie in 0 to 0 during the first 45 minutes. By the way, a tonic of Tite’s team in this World Cup. The 1st half is always wasted on studies and few goal opportunities. What has always worked is the recovery of the ball, avoiding any counter-attack by Cameroon.
Brazil returned without objectivity in the final stage, with Antony very individualistic. And just after 5 minutes, Aboubakar had a great chance, kicking crosswise outside Éderson’s goal. At the same time, with the injury to left-back Alex Telles, something incredible happened to the national team: of the four full-backs who went to the Cup, three had already been injured. Only 39-year-old veteran Daniel Alves remained intact.
In the 10th minute, on the first arrival, Martinelli took a risk with a curve and once again goalkeeper Epassy spread it out to the corner, avoiding the Brazilian goal. In the collection, Éder Militão had a great chance, but Epassy defended in two moments. Possession of the ball continued to be Brazilian, but conclusions became rare. The substitutes that entered (Éverton Ribeiro, Bruno Guimarães and Pedro) did not manage to get along, nor did they fit in good plays.
In the 32nd minute, Cameroon broke free and reserve Ntcham risked a low shot from outside the area, but goalkeeper Éderson slotted in. And finally, in the 47th minute, in a cross into the area, the experienced Aboubakar, striker from Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia), tested it right, in the corner of Éderson’s goal, who didn’t even move. It was Cameroon’s winning goal. The number 10 of the African national team ended up expelled after receiving the second yellow card when celebrating the goal by taking off his shirt, but it was the coup de grace in a team that at no time showed that it could win the match and was bitten by the Indomitable Lions.
A story in four parts.
This #FIFAWorldCup Group Stage is providing drama right until the very end! pic.twitter.com/v7iviclvYH
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2022
In the final classification of Group G, Brazil still finished in first place, with 6 points and 2 goals difference. Switzerland also scored 6 points and only one goal difference. With that, Tite’s team will face South Korea, starting at 4 pm (Brasília time) next Monday. The Swiss will catch the Portuguese on Tuesday, also at 4 pm.
Datasheet:
BRAZIL 0 x 1 CAMEROON
Date: Friday, December 2, 2022
Place: Al Daayen (Qatar)
Judge: Ismail Elfath (United States)
Public: 85,986
Brazil: Éderson; Daniel Alves, Éder Militão, Bremer and Alex Telles (Marquinhos); Fred (Bruno Guimarães), Fabinho, Antony (Raphinha) and Rodrygo (Éverton Ribeiro); Gabriel Jesus (Pedro) and Martinelli. Technician: Tite.
Cameroon: Epassy; Wooh, Fai, Ebosse and Tolo; Ngamaleu (Mbekeli), Anguissa, Moting, Kundé (Ntcham) and Mbeumo (Ekambi); Aboubakar. Technician: Rigobert Song.
Goal: In the 2nd half: Aboubakar (47).
