CNN
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Soccer may be harsh typically, simply ask Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lions turned the primary workforce to rating in opposition to Brazil at Qatar 2022 on Friday, however its well-known 1-0 win in opposition to the event favourite was nonetheless not sufficient to see it by means of to the knockout phases.
Vincent Aboubakar’s header in stoppage time might have given his nation a memorable victory, however Switzerland’s 3-2 win in opposition to Serbia within the different Group G recreation meant Cameroon couldn’t progress.
The match on the Lusail Stadium had been largely uneventful for 90 minutes with either side failing to discover a breakthrough. Brazil had already booked its place within the subsequent spherical and rested lots of its key gamers.
Cameroon, in the meantime, knew it wanted at the least a win in opposition to the Brazilians to face any likelihood of staying within the competitors, however it failed to hassle its opponent till a frantic stoppage time interval.
After 9 minutes of added time was introduced, Cameroon sensed a chance however, in fact, Aboubakar’s aim got here utterly in opposition to the run of play.
The striker’s nice header might not have helped its aspect into the spherical of 16, however it was historic nonetheless – and was celebrated by the complete Cameroon squad.
It was a aim that inflicted Brazil with its first World Cup group stage defeat since 1998.
Nevertheless, soccer isn’t all the time form, and Aboubakar was subsequently proven a second yellow card for taking his shirt off in celebration, which means he was despatched off the pitch earlier than full-time.
Referee Ismail Elfath regarded nearly apologetic as he rained on Aboubakar’s parade, however the striker took it effectively, shaking the officers hand earlier than strolling down the tunnel smiling.
Regardless of the defeat, Brazil nonetheless progresses because the Group G winner and can face South Korea within the subsequent spherical on Monday.
Neymar, who continues to nurse an ankle harm picked up within the opening match, watched on from the stands on Friday, and Brazil supervisor Tite will hope his captain may be slot in time for the following fixture.
Regardless of its dominance in possession in opposition to Cameroon, Brazil regarded sloppy in entrance of aim and missed the little bit of high quality that Neymar so usually produces.
“It’s a warning sign,” veteran Brazil defender Dani Alves informed reporters after the match. “There is no such thing as a weak rival. Right here is the lesson, we have to keep switched on all through the sport. One element and it’s over.
“We finish right now with the sensation that a wonderful day slipped by means of the fingers of us gamers who weren’t taking part in a lot.”
In the meantime, Switzerland completed runner-up within the group and can face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Tuesday after a high-scoring recreation in opposition to Serbia.
Regardless of taking the lead, the Swiss discovered themselves 2-1 down earlier than mounting a surprising comeback to take victory, and second place within the group.