Samuel Eto’o predicted Cameroon will feature in the final, but after suffering defeat in their opening game, a must-win is required against Serbia who suffered a heavier beating. Whoever fails to win will be knocked out, and whomever triumphs adds hope.
To Win Match
Cameroon 4/1 | Draw 11/4 | Serbia 7/10
Cameroon are without a win in the World Cup for 20 years, and if they fail to do so when they lock horns with Serbia, they bow out of the Qatar 2022 edition.
The Indomitable Lions had eliminated Algeria in a play-off to qualify for the tournament and carried much of that momentum into their Group G opener. Coach Rigobert Song maintained the use of pace and power to outmanoeuvre their European opponents, dominating an entertaining first half, missing several chances to seize the initiative.
Bryan Mbeumo tested the goalkeeper in the 10th minute, before Karl Toko Ekambi sent his rebound over the bar, while in-form forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting was also a danger as Cameroon gained purchase with swift counter-attacking moves.
While a win here for Cameroon adds hope, a third and final fixture against Brazil will be a tall order even for the mightiest of nations.
Serbia’s Qatar 2022 World Cup campaign will officially start now. While it’s difficult to write off a group-stage fixture in the tournament, facing Brazil is arguably the toughest test for any nation and it can surely be excused.
Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic denied Brazil’s potent strike force on several occasions in a goalless first half that saw Brazil have the majority of possession. He kept the score line respectable being as commanding as possible against a relentless onslaught.
Despite nursing an injury head coach Dragan Stojkovic insisted on playing Aleksandar Mitrovic as the target man. The in-form forward was deprived of service and was subsequently substituted by another striker with arguably equal talent in Dusan Vlahovic who suffered the same fate.
If Serbia is to find rhythm in this encounter, the midfield pairing of Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj and Torina’s Sasa Lukic have to step up to the plate. The only concern would be that both picked up yellow cards last time out.
Verdict: Both Teams to Score Yes (1/1)
Cameroon has lost each of its last eight games at the World Cup; only Mexico have ever lost more games in a row in the competition’s history, and Serbia’s lack of any showing against Brazil inspires confidence to triumph here. Both sides require three points should they wish to progress which should provide the fans with a spectacle.
