World Cup: Cameroon stun Brazil but fail to go through
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Cameroonian players Enzo Ebosse (left) and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa celebrate beating Brazil, despite not going through.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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DOHA – Brazil coach Tite admitted that he was responsible for his side’s 1-0 World Cup Group G loss to Cameroon on Friday, despite the match being not crucial as they had already qualified for the round of 16.
Vincent Aboubakar headed in a stoppage-time winner and was then sent off as Cameroon claimed a memorable victory, but still failed to go through to the knockout stages.
Aboubakar, who captained Rigobert Song’s team, connected with a cross from substitute Jerome Ngom Mbekeli to break the deadlock in the 92nd minute at Doha’s Lusail Stadium.
He was booked for removing his shirt in the wild celebrations that followed and, having already been cautioned, had to leave his teammates to see out the remainder of the game.
They did so to record a famous win, but Switzerland’s 3-2 win over Serbia at the same time meant the Swiss advanced from Group G along with Brazil.
“We were very wary about the threat posed by Cameroon,” Tite said. “They won the match on merit. They played very well.
“We weren’t effective and the game became more dangerous as it progressed. Who lost? All of us (in the Brazil camp), I am responsible for everything that happens.
“Nobody has won all three group games at this World Cup. It just shows how difficult these matches are.”
He sent out a second-string side and, despite having 21 shots on goal compared to Cameroon’s seven, Brazil suffered their first defeat in the group stage of a World Cup since 1998, when they were beaten by Norway.
Having won their first two matches in Qatar, Brazil topped the group and advanced to a last-16 tie against South Korea, when many of their key players who were rested for the Cameroon game will return.
Tite’s mind was on the knockout stages here as he made nine changes, including handing a start to 39-year-old Dani Alves, making him Brazil’s oldest-ever men’s international player.
The spine of Brazil’s second-string side still featured Manchester City’s Ederson in goal, Real Madrid’s Eder Militao in central defence, Fabinho of Liverpool in midfield, Manchester United’s Antony on the wings and Gabriel Jesus of Arsenal supported by Real’s Rodrygo up front.
They also had the 21-year-old Gabriel Martinelli on the left and the Arsenal prospect was their standout performer in a game where they struggled to score.
Neymar, who is still recovering from the sprained ankle that forced him off in the opening 2-0 win over Serbia, watched the action from just behind the Brazilian bench and it remains to be seen if he will feature against South Korea on Monday.
The Selecao are also sweating on the fitness of full-backs Danilo and Alex Sandro, while both left-back Alex Telles and forward Gabriel Jesus have been ruled out for the rest of the tournament with knee injuries. AFP, REUTERS
US referee Ismail Elfath shows a red card to Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar after he takes his shirt off to celebrate his goal.
PHOTO: AFP
