Cameroon has a last-ditch attempt to progress to the Round of 16 when they meet Group G table toppers Brazil at the Lusail Iconic Stadium. While the Indomitable Lions roared their way to three goals, Serbia had an answer for each, and life will be much more difficult against the Selecao, who has yet to concede.
To Win Match
Cameroon 15/2 | Draw 4/1 | Brazil 7/20
Cameroon kept alive their faint hopes of reaching the round of 16 after substitute Vincent Aboubakar inspired a breathless comeback in a 3-3 draw with Serbia in Al-Wakrah. Prior to that result, the five-time African champions managed to hold higher-ranked opponents Switzerland at bay for most of their opener, but a solitary goal in the 48th minute from Cameroonian-born Breel Embolo sparked nationwide controversy.
A bright and energetic start against Serbia earned the African side a goal on the half-hour mark, but they switched off before the half-time whistle, letting in two goals during additional time. The second half didn’t start off any better and the Indomitable Lions found themselves 3-1 down, but the introduction of their stalwart Aboubakar was the injection of belief needed to earn a 3-3 result to keep a sliver of hope alive.
Cameroon needs to win against Brazil if they have any chance of progressing to the Round of 16 but must rely on Switzerland and Serbia drawing, and in addition, should Serbia defeat Switzerland, the African giants must possess a greater goal difference than Serbia to secure the second spot. It’s a massive ask, but you can be sure they will not go down without a fight.
Brazil booked their place in the last 16 as they overcame a resolute Switzerland side courtesy of a late winner from midfielder Casemiro in their second Group G outing. In 2014, Brazil failed to do it without their talisman Neymar Jr., so could they get across the line without him this time around?
Ahead of their encounter with the Swiss, Brazil knew a win would secure a position in the knockout stages (following a comfortable 2-0 win over Serbia) and the men in canary yellow with blue shorts rose under pressure. In Neymar’s absence, it was Vinicius Jr. that harboured most of his nation’s hopes, and the Real Madrid man went close in the first half before having his goal disallowed by VAR for an offside in the build-up play. Just as the fixture seemed destined for deadlock, a double substitution added energy to the squad and a stunning take from Casemiro sealed the deal.
Fans of football are fans of Brazil, and a relaxed Brazil means entertaining football, so this will be one to witness. We are likely to see some of the squad feature that have bided their time on the bench in the opening two fixtures with a point to prove as we head deeper into the tournament, so expect more intensity.
Verdict: Brazil & Over 2.5 (15/20)
Brazil is one of three teams to have qualified before matchday three, and one of three teams to boast two clean sheets at the end of matchday two, earning the right to boast the title of tournament favourites. Even with squad rotation, expect no drop in intensity and desire to win a football match from the Brazilians.
