Written by Damien Kayat for @Hollywoodbets.
Cameroon vs Brazil | Monday 23 June | Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília | 22:00
Brazil’s lugubrious draw against Mexico should have rendered this a nerve jangling, pulse pounding test of the host nation’s aspirations. The performance, however, given by Cameroon against Croatia will have let an entire nation rest a lot easier. Cameroon were diabolical against the Europeans, failing to create any notable chances while completely disintegrating on the disciplinary front. Brazil have their own issues to deal with in the number nine slot, but I’m sure Scolari will recognize the opportunity he has to give his strikers confidence ahead of this clash against the “Abominable Lions”. Volker Finke’s side will do well to limit the damage in their final match.
To Win (90mins)
Cameroon 24/1
Draw 79/10
Brazil 1/10
Cameroon
Moukandjo’s bust up with Assou-Ekotto really illuminated a number of interesting facts, relating both to Cameroon and more broadly the African continent. Clearly there is a lack of discipline that permeates African football, not just reflected in the rash actions of Alex Song or any individual action, but in general defensive cohesion and discipline. Ghana completely dominated the USA the other night, but their final ball was atrocious, illuminating once again deep deficiencies that are not allowing African sides to reach their potential. Cameroon were the same, with players often seeking moments of personal glory rather than constructing attacks.
Finke will probably have to resist the urge to rest too much of the squad, knowing that wholesale changes will probably disrupt the side more than anything else. Samuel Eto’o will almost surely start, hoping to score in what will almost certainly be his international curtain call. He almost shook off injury concerns to start the Croatia match and will add a little more quality to the side. Mbia’s running abilities have been impressive at times, while the rest of the midfield needs to find some form of patriotic sentiment inside themselves if Cameroon are to avoid another heavy defeat.
Brazil
The decision to bring Ramires into the side in the place of Hulk seemed to curtail some of the attacking talents of the Brazilian side. I believe that he should be in the side, but rather at the expense of Luis Gustavo. I’m really unconvinced by their supposed lynchpin in midfield and would rather see a sitting partnership comprising of some Paulinho-Ramires-Fernandinho hybrid. Gustavo has no attacking intentions, nullifying the progressive aspirations of those around him. Fred has been disappointing thus far, but I have no doubt that Scolari will persist with the big man against the wounded lions.
Neymar has a yellow card, which could be a source of concern considering that they will likely play Chile or the Netherlands in the next round. But Scolari has shown a penchant for consistency, so I shouldn’t expect that the poster-child of Brazilian football will be excluded. Expect Oscar to flourish in a match that should present plenty of space in the conventional number ten positions. The back five will remain unchanged as Brazil should make light work of a Cameroon side in a state of meltdown.
VERDICT: Brazil (-1) 3/10
Brazil have hardly been shimmering thus far, flattering to deceive in most departments. Cameroon, however, have had an abysmal tournament that actually started with them arriving late following a missed flight. Perhaps they were aware of something that the others weren’t. Neymar will terrorise the Cameroon defense, and I tip Fred to finally break his World Cup duck this weekend. Take the Selecao on the handicap.
The man knows his football, but even he gets it wrong from time to time. Feel free to share your view below.
