World Cup favourites Brazil lose their perfect record in Qatar as Vincent Aboubakar seals a famous 1-0 win for Cameroon... but it's Switzerland who take second in Group G
- Cameroon pulled off a famous victory over Brazil but it was not enough to reach the last-16 of the World Cup
- Vincent Aboubakar struck late on with a header and it was his final action as he was sent off for his celebration
- Cameroon used nippy fouls to break up the game and it was an attempt to disrupt Brazil's rhythm and flow
- Brazil made nine changes as they were already through and many will go back out for their last-16 encounter
The camera swept to Neymar, as was always going to be the case. The Brazilian national anthem was in full swing and there was the golden boy, belting out the words from underneath a baseball cap as if he was ready to go to battle.
When the camera swept to him again, in injury time, he was emotional once more – but for entirely different reasons. Cameroon, through a magnificent Vincent Aboubakar header, had continued this theme of World Cup shocks and inflicted a scarcely believable defeat on the tournament favourites.
What is it about the Lusail Stadium? Argentina melted here in their first game against Saudi Arabia and now Brazil fell into the trap set by the Indomitable Lions and ended up being eaten. They are a different proposition without Neymar and everyone knows it.
Vincent Aboubakar was the hero for Cameroon as his goal beat Brazil - but it wasn't enough to reach the World Cup last-16
Aboubakar (left) left goalkeeper Ederson (right) planted when his header from a left-wing cross slotted into the bottom corner
Aboubakar was mobbed by his team-mates in the wild celebrations and despite being on a booking he took his shirt off
The referee wasted no time in brandishing a second yellow card to Aboubakar for taking his shirt off and he was sent off
Neymar, who is out injured and may not play again at this World Cup, tried to console frustrated team-mates at full-time
Fortunately, this defeat did not cost them top spot and they will now head to Stadium 974 on Monday to tackle South Korea in the last 16 but there is no question it has rattled them and Tite, their head coach, sounded suitably anxious as he mulled this over.
‘We feel this loss,’ he said. ‘And you really must feel the loss when you have something like this. We won the first two games, so that gives us a second chance in the competition and normally you don’t get that when you lose at a World Cup. If we win together then we lose together.’
Unfortunately for Cameroon, meanwhile, this enormous scalp – not quite on a par with their victory against Argentina in 1990 but not far behind – stood for nothing. They needed a Serbia goal against Switzerland to put them through as runners-up but they must now head home.
‘My players should be congratulated,’ said head coach Rigobert Song. ‘They have shown that they should have done better in the two games before this. We gradually improved and it’s a real shame that we are going home now.’
Behind one of the goals before kick-off, a giant banner was unfurled to send a message to Pele, who is recovering after his health scare, but if Neymar continues to be absent, there will be banners for him, too. There is cautious optimism he will make it but nobody will say it for certain.
For all the pomp and colour in the stands and the enthusiasm of the tens of thousands who were dressed in yellow and green, Brazil couldn’t find a way to hammer home their superiority after enjoying oceans of possession. They would eventually pay the heaviest price.
It was a really scrappy game for much of it, with Cameroon eager to stay into the game for as long as they could on Friday
There was real concern for Brazil full-back Alex Telles (bottom) when he was forced off having landed awkwardly on his back
With qualification long since secured, this was always going to be a night when Tite made changes and so it proved with nine new faces coming into the side that had beaten Switzerland. Usually that hinders a team in terms of quality but Brazil should not have laboured.
True, the presence of Dani Alves distorts the figure slightly but, even so, it speaks volumes for a squad’s second XI when it features nine men who have won domestic titles and their combined haul is 104 major honours.
And even accounting for the veteran Alves, one of life’s more colourful souls, it was still one of the youngest sides ever selected by Brazil at a World Cup, featuring Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, Rodrygo of Real Madrid and Manchester United’s maverick, Antony.
The curmudgeons don’t like Antony’s liking for doing ostentatious and elaborate skills but, in a challenging first period for viewers, he was happy to entertain with his first contribution being a cushioned pass after doing a step-over to receive possession.
The best chance of the first half fell to Cameroon and Brentford ace Bryan Mbeumo, but his header brought a smart save
Only problem was they faced opponents who were prepared to shut down the contest, by defending in numbers and committing fouls to halt play. Tite had been asked about this last Sunday, with regard to Neymar being targeted, but there seemed to be a specific policy adopted here.
Cameroon’s first booking came in the sixth minute for left-back Nouhou Tolo, who unceremoniously halted Antony in his tracks, and there would be further yellows for Pierre Kunde and Collins Fai after similar challenges – the latter on Rodrygo was especially cynical.
It was that kind of game. Brazil had a lot of the ball but they couldn’t find the ball to slice Cameroon open and the closest they came to a breakthrough was via Martinelli, whose header was saved by Devis Epassy in the sixth minute before the keeper turned a shot of his away in the 44th minute.
For all they prodded and probed, the irony was actually that Cameroon had the best opportunity of the lot when, on the stroke of half-time, when Brentford’s Bryan Mbuemo arrived at the back post to plant a header that appeared to be deceiving Ederson before he flicked out his hand.
It was a reality check for Brazil's peripheral squad players but many will drop back out by the time they play in the last-16
It became all about huff and puff from there on, Brazil passing in patterns around Cameroon’s area but finding niggling challenges and green shirts in their way. One foul from Aboubakar earned a yellow card and it would have significant consequences.
Deep into injury time, he provided the ultimate sucker-punch with a marvellous header from Karl Toko Ekambi’s perfect cross and, in his joy, he ripped off his shirt to celebrate – and was promptly expelled. Up in the stands, Neymar looked bereft. How Brazil need him back.
‘We need to suffer for 24 hours,’ said Tite, the first Brazilian coach to lose to an African team. ‘Then we will start to get ready. We need to make the most of this second chance.’
Tite didn’t need to say anymore. He knows they won’t be so lucky again
RECAP: Sportsmail's live blog for the World Cup Group G clash between Cameroon and Brazil.
Last-16 commences tomorrow - join us then when things heat up!
It's a famous win but it's not enough for Cameroon - they are out.
Switzerland were able to hang on and beat Serbia 3-2.
Brazil top Group G, Switzerland go through as runners-up.
90+9min: Now it's Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes who scoops over from no more than three yards out.
It doesn't settle for him having taken a hefty bounce. Not been his night since coming on. Not been Brazil's night.
90+8min: Gabriel Martinelli heads over from about three yards out.
He can't believe it - and neither can his team-mates. But as things stand Cameroon are still out and Brazil are still group winners.
He didn't leave the referee much choice there.
Aboubakar was already on his yellow and he ripped his shirt off in celebration at that goal.
Referee wastes no time whipping the red card out so Cameroon will finish this down to 10.
He said before this tournament that he is as good as Mohamed Salah and it was big words to back it up.
It's his header from a cross from the right that leaves Ederson rooted and it is buried in the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
He races off, shirt off, wild celebrations for Cameroon. But it's not enough for them just yet,
Yeah... I'm not sure either.
90min: You'd have to say the final ball of both teams tonight has left a lot to be desired... but it is becoming stretched now. Is there a goal in this?!
88min: Cramp is starting to set in now for some of Cameroon's players and to see quality player after quality player come off the bench for Brazil must have been demoralising.
Raphinha has looked electric on the right since he came on.
Moumi Ngamaleu OFF
Jerome Ngom Mbekeli ON
Rubbish corner, Cameroon break out and a cynical pull-back by Guimaraes. Blatant.
84min: Always seemed a big ask to want a repeat of Japan's heroics against Spain last night, wasn't it?
Brazil are the latest to fluff their lines as Raphinha does brilliantly down the right to beat his man, get to the byline but Bruno Guimaraes' deft finish across goal on the cutback misses the far post courtesy of a deflection.
Corner.
81min: Flurry of corners in quick succession for Cameroon. They are starting to turn the screw but they still are struggling to trouble Ederson.
Their attacks leave counter-attacking opportunities for Brazil and as Gabriel Martinelli bursts free down the right he is taken down with more of a rugby tackle by Vincent Aboubakar.
Not even subtle. Happy to just concede the yellow and get men back.
Antony OFF
Raphinha ON
Last role of the dice from Tite...
78min: Given so many players picked up bookings during that early flurry of cards in the first half, it's amazing we're still at 11 v 11.
Tackles have somewhat dried up of the aggressive kind but perhaps late drama is in store. Something has to liven this game up.
Cameroon have to score to have any chance.
A brilliant photo from our photographer ANDY HOOPER on the ground at the Lusail Stadium.
This chance for Bryan Mbeumo in first half stoppage time is as close as Cameroon have come to breaching Ederson's goal.
73min: Much was hoped of Bruno Guimaraes after his introduction before after a little bobble before he strikes on the edge of the area, he rushes his shot and balloons is high over the bar.
It's been that sort of second half for Brazil.
70min: This game has, unfortunately, gone a little bit flat.
I'm very much hoping the commentator's curse can enact itself here and we get a thrilling finish...
Pierre Kunde OFF
Olivier Ntcham ON
Gabriel Jesus OFF
Pedro ON
That's that for the Arsenal striker - still no World Cup goal on his Brazil resume
Bryan Mbeumo OFF
Karl Toko Ekambi ON
62min: Cameroon look much more up for the fight and you just feel the longer this game goes on and Brazil become more frustrated, belief will be building in the African side that they can nick this.
Granted, it won't change anything in the race for the last-16 as things stand - given Switzerland are winning - but it would still be a famous win.
Brazil romped to victory when these sides met at the 2014 World Cup. Potential for revenge here.
57min: Epassy is ALL OVER THE PLACE at the moment! Everton pokes a shot at goal from about eight yards out and the goalkeeper spills it before tipping it around for another corner.
The most relieved man in the Lusail Stadium.
56min: Gabriel Martinelli AGAIN brings out a brilliant save from Devis Epassy!
Cameroon seem content to sit off him for fear of fouling and he's wasting no time winding up for a shot on that right foot. Tipped over.
Alex Telles / Fred / Rodrygo OFF
Marquinhos / Bruno Guimaraes / Everton ON
51min: What happened to first half Cameroon? This looks like a whole new team and Vincent Aboubakar is a whisker wide as he shoots on the spin on the right side of the box.
They need a goal and they need one from Serbia.
Meanwhile, Marquinhos is ready to come on for Brazil. Alex Telles cannot carry on. It was one hell of a landing for him from that earlier corner.
While we've got a stoppage here I can tell you there's been a FIFTH goal in the other game!
It's now Serbia 2-3 Switzerland. Football, eh?
48min: Much better start to this half by Cameroon. Bryan Mbeumo stretches his legs by scampering down the right wing, much like Antony did on that same side in the first half, and he wins a corner.
The set-piece leads to a hefty collision that's left Alex Telles in the deck in real pain. He's landed awkwardly on his back and that's a sore one.
Players on the way back out...
45+4min: That's the first shot on goal Brazil have faced at this tournament so far and it draws a brilliant save from Ederson.
The ball goes over the head of Alex Telles at the back post and there to meet it on his head is Bryan Mbeumo.
He chooses to head it down into the ground but he's not far away and that's the best chance of the whole half. What a turn up for the books that would have been. Score that and Cameroon would be going in at half-time second in Group G.
45+2min: A vicious strike from the edge of the area by Gabriel Martinelli is parried awkwardly over his head by Devis Epassy and he is a mightily relieved man to see that go over the bar, rather than into the net.
The eventual corner goes astray after a wayward effort from Rodrygo.
It's now 2-2 in the Serbia vs Switzerland game.
Bonkers.
Our guess at the chatter in the Brazil huddle as they take some water on board.
Been the dominant side and yet haven't made it count... we've seen that before in this tournament.
38min: Martinelli is fouled in the middle of Cameroon's half but with Brazil in possession the referee plays advantage and it allows Antony to shift from right to left and fire at goal.
It's tame enough for Devis Epassy to save and catch.
Antony's frustrations see him pick up and chew a bit of grass before spitting it out. Not for me, that.
Yet ANOTHER goal in the other game - save one for us please, lads?
Serbia are now ahead after a goal from Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. Disaster for Switzerland over there.
It's a result that leaves Cameroon slumped bottom of the group. Sheesh.
35min: In fairness, Alves clears the wall but it's comfortably over the bar.
Same trio around this free-kick... not fooling me with this over-the-top pre-kick conversation this time.
Alves looked primed..
Again, Rodrygo races clear and is fouled from behind. It's a desperate lunge from Fai and if Cameroon do get through tonight, he will be suspended for their last-16 match.
Long night for these defenders on yellows now...
30min: After all that... Rodrygo smacks it straight into the wall.
Classic. I'll never learn.
Rodrygo, Dani Alves and Alex Telles making their cases to take it...
Again, not sure whether to commit or to back off and caught between the two Pierre Kunde trips Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo from behind on the edge of the box.
Free-kick and a booking. No arguments.
28min: There's been ANOTHER goal in the other game and Serbia are level! It's good news for Cameroon... but only if they can hold up their end of the bargain and get a win on the board themselves tonight
26min: Antony and Gabriel Martinelli in full flight are a fun, fun watch. Cameroon don't know whether to engage and close the distance or stay disciplined in a shape.
They seem caught between the two strategies but this time Antony's low cross from the right is hooked away.
The gulf in quality is... stark. Still 0-0, though.
22min: Good ball from the left by Gabriel Martinelli and after it knocks back off Gabriel Jesus, who was unable to control it at speed, Fred on the swivel can only fire at goal and win a corner.
He's never scored for his country and that one wasn't close to ending that run.
20min: That's more like it for Cameroon.
An impressive break down the left leads to a cross that Ederson can only parry away in hope - and it does eventually get cleared.
But things aren't shaping up as Cameroon need them to. Switzerland have just scored to go 1-0 up on Serbia so, as it stands, no result here can send them through.
Long way to go yet, though.
17min: This already looks like it's going to be a very long night for Cameroon - but the same could have been said of Japan after the first half against Spain last night.
Brazil need goals to make their overwhelming dominance count or anything can happen - just ask Japan and South Korea!
14min: Manchester United to Arsenal! Fred picks his head up and clips in a brilliant ball into the box for an onrushing Gabriel Martinelli to meet.
He does but his header is impressively tipped over the bar. First real opportunity with Brazil purring.
10min: Been a somewhat scrappy start.
Cameroon pretty content to dig in and restrict space in behind for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Antony to exploit.
But Cameroon don't seem to have any control in midfield and that's going to quell hopes of getting up the pitch as this one wears on. As expected, Brazil's peripheral stars want to make a statement this evening. They've started better.
Safe to say referee Ismail Elfath, from the USA, is taking a no-nonsense approach to this one.
Militao catches his man late on the top of the foot and is quickly cautioned.
Case in point.
A clever spin on the right wing by Antony takes him away from Tolo and it's a late, reckless challenge to hack the United man down. Easy decision.
5min: Bright start this from Manchester United attacker Antony. In the absence of Vinicius Jnr and Neymar, he looks like he wants to put on a show here.
As for Cameroon, they won't want to take too many risks early on - and you can understand that.
Anthems done - let's do this.
Players on the way out of the tunnel now - nothing short of a win will do for Cameroon.
It's that simple.
It will be intriguing to see how Brazil look this evening having made nine changes.
There's a lot of elite Premier League stars with a point to prove getting run-outs here and don't expect them to treat this as a glorified friendly.
They'll want to make a case to be starting in the last-16.
If Switzerland and Serbia draw, Cameroon would need to beat Brazil by two goals to qualify - or by one, assuming Switzerland don't exceed their total of goals scored.
Should Serbia beat Switzerland, however, Cameroon will need to ensure their goal difference - currently one better than Serbia - remains that way at least.
If both Cameroon and Serbia win and end up on the same goal difference, Serbia will go through on goals scored.
Finally, Serbia have to beat Switzerland to go through. They also need to better Cameroon's result against Brazil, as stated above.
Results and fixtures:
- Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon, November 24
- Brazil 2-0 Serbia, November 24
- Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, November 28
- Brazil 1-0 Switzerland, November 28
- Serbia vs Switzerland: 7pm GMT, December 2
- Cameroon vs Brazil: 7pm GMT, December 2
No match action for Neymar tonight but he is certainly front and centre for Brazil during their pre-match activities at the Lusail Stadium.
He'll be kicking every ball from the sidelines this evening, no doubt about that.
Swapping Love for the Lusail.
He may well have some making up to do when he gets home...
It was party time on the Brazil team bus earlier - you've still got a game to play, lads!
The South Americans may have rung the changes but this is Brazil - and Ian Wright is expecting a show this evening.
He told ITV Sport: "When Brazil come into a World Cup they have to win it. Fringe players want to contribute. I am looking forward to watching this lot play. They have to do something [tonight] because the pressure back home is intense!"
The Man United midfielder has no minced his words when firing back at some of Brazil's fans!
FULL STORY HERE.
Both sets of players are making their way out of the Lusail Stadium tunnel into a feverish atmosphere as they get their warm-ups underway.
40 minutes until kick-off...
As we previously mentioned, Brazil are already through and need just a point to make sure of top spot.
The other three have it all to do.
Switzerland are in the strongest position and a draw will be enough for them unless Cameroon defeat Brazil and overturn the goal difference deficit as well.
Even with the pumped in air-con, I am still so impressed by the commitment of so many fans to face paint in the Qatar heat.
It's sweltering even in the evening matches and so commitment to the bit really is something to applaud.
This Cameroonian fan gets an A+ for effort.
Cameroon: Epassy, Fai, Ebosse, Wooh, Tolo, Zambo, Kunde, Ngamaleu, Mbeumo, Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting.
Subs: Ngapandouetnbu, Mbekeli, Ondoua, Nkoudou, Nsame, Bassogog, Toko Ekambi, Gouet, Mbaizo, Ntcham, Marou.
Brazil: Ederson, Dani Alves, Eder Militao, Bremer, Alex Telles, Fabinho, Fred, Antony, Rodrygo, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus.
Subs: Alisson, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta, Richarlison, Raphinha, Weverton, Bruno Guimaraes, Vinicius Junior, Everton Ribeiro, Pedro.
Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
Cameroon XI vs Brazil (4-3-3): Epassy; Fai, Tolo, Wooh, Ebosse; Ngamaleu, Anguissa, Kunde; Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, Mbeumo.
Brazil XI vs Cameroon (4-2-4): Ederson; Dani Alves, Militao, Bremer, Telles; Fabinho, Fred; Rodrygo, Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Antony.
1994 (the last tournament before FIFA's expansion to 32 teams) was the last time no team managed to win all of their group stage matches at the World Cup.
Only Brazil can stop a repeat of this tonight...
Brazil are expected to ring the changes tonight but given they have the chance to be the only team to have a 100% win rate in the groups, that may tempt Tite to go strong.
Team news on the way very shortly.
An incredible finish this.
Is it your Goal of the Tournament (so far) though?
FULL DETAILS HERE.
This Brazil fan is taking no chances in getting to their seat on time tonight.
Just under two hours until kick-off.
Portugal lost 2-1 to South Korea but still finished top of Group H - they will take on the runner-up from Group G, which we will follow this evening.
That late, late winner for South Korea means they ALSO go through on the goals scored metric having finished level on points with Uruguay... cue tears for Luis Suarez in his last World Cup.
Uruguay beat Ghana 2-0 but it wasn't enough and it all got a bit much for star man Suarez...
Not quite the classic duo known to DC fans but Vinicius Jnr has gone for some Batman shinpads while Raphinha has emblazoned a cartoon of himself on his ahead of tonight's game!
Dressing rooms all decked out at the Lusail Stadium...
Tonight will represent Dani Alves, at the age of 39, becoming Brazil's oldest World Cup captain.
READ MORE HERE.
Capacity: 80,000 Distance from Doha city centre: 10 miles
The showpiece stadium for the tournament that hosted the opening fixture and the final as well as other key matches.
The stadium only opened this year, very much behind schedule, with the design inspired by the 'interplay of light and shadow that characterises the fanar lantern'.
At the end of the tournament, most of the seats will be removed and donated to developing countries as the new £33billion city of Lusail 'will not need its own football stadium' after 2022.
Brazil may well be through but they are looking to end the group stage in style to send a boost back home to national hero Pele.
FULL STORY HERE.
Quite simply, the game of the tournament so far.
Drama on drama on drama!
FULL MATCH REPORT HERE.
It was Casemiro's goal that broke the deadlock against Switzerland for Brazil, sending them into the last-16, but team-mate Gabriel Jesus believes his compatriot doesn't get the respect he deserves.
FULL STORY HERE.
Group H is concluding in today's early games and these are the half-time scores:
GHANA 0-2 URUGUAY
PORTUGAL 1-1 SOUTH KOREA
It would mean Portugal go through as Group H winners and Uruguay through as runners-up as things stand...
Cameroon have to beat Brazil to qualify. However, even then it's not entirely straightforward.
If Switzerland and Serbia draw, Cameroon would need to beat Brazil by two goals to qualify - or by one, assuming Switzerland don't exceed their total of goals scored.
Should Serbia beat Switzerland, however, Cameroon will need to ensure their goal difference - currently one better than Serbia - remains that way at least.
If both Cameroon and Serbia win and end up on the same goal difference, Serbia will go through on goals scored.
Finally, Serbia have to beat Switzerland to go through. They also need to better Cameroon's result against Brazil, as stated above.
Results and fixtures:
- Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon, November 24
- Brazil 2-0 Serbia, November 24
- Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, November 28
- Brazil 1-0 Switzerland, November 28
- Serbia vs Switzerland: 7pm GMT, December 2
- Cameroon vs Brazil: 7pm GMT, December 2
Spain deliberately lost to Japan in order to avoid Brazil in the quarter-finals, Mexico World Cup legend Hugo Sanchez has suggested.
The former Real Madrid forward who played in three World Cups for Mexico was asked by an ESPN presenter: ‘You are assuring me that Spain looked for this result to avoid Brazil?’
And as reported by Diario AS the former striker said: ‘I assure you. I was not there and I’m not in the mind of Luis Enrique but he had thought about what was the best way to avoid playing Brazil in the quarter-finals. Yes there is a risk but it’s a risk worth taking. It’s not that they fear Brazil but they respect them.’
FULL STORY HERE.
It is the row which threatened to de-rail Cameroon's entire World Cup - but now goalkeeper Andre Onana has had his say on being binned by boss Rigobert Song.
FULL STORY HERE.
They may be through... but there are reportedly growing fears that their star man might not kick another ball in Qatar due to injury!
FULL STORY HERE.
Brazil might already be through but there remains plenty on the line for Cameroon as we reach the conclusion of Group G.
Rigobert Song's side need to win and hope Switzerland don't beat Serbia in their bid to reach the last-16.
Stick with me for the coming hours for all the news and updates from Cameroon's clash with Brazil.
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