Cameroon striker, Vincent Aboubakar became the third African player to score against Brazil at the World Cup after Didier Drogba and Joel Matip, though he was then shown a second yellow card for taking his shirt off.
Vincent Aboubakar’s stoppage-time header earned Cameroon a memorable 1-0 late win over five-time world champions Brazil, but it wasn’t enough for the African side to claim a place in the last 16 of the World Cup.
Cameroon went into the game knowing they needed to beat Brazil to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockouts and they upheld their end of the bargain thanks to their captain Aboubakar, who was sent off for his celebrations in the wake of his late winner.
However, Switzerland’s win over Serbia meant Cameroon were unable to make up enough ground in Group G to make the next round, regardless of their result over Brazil.
The South Americans held onto top spot in the group thanks to a superior goal difference over Switzerland, meaning they will face South Korea for a place in the quarter-finals on Monday evening.
Cameroon’s hopes of pulling off an upset were surely raised when they saw Brazil’s starting XI, as manager Tite made nine changes with qualification from Group G already secured.
However, the presence of the likes of Ederson, Fabinho and Gabriel Martinelli meant it was still a Brazil side packed with quality and they dominated proceedings at the Lusail Iconic Stadium.
But, whether it was down to the changes to their line-up affecting their fluency or a sense of complacency creeping in with a place in the knockouts already wrapped up, the Selecao wasted chances throughout the game.
Arsenal’s Martinelli saw several efforts well saved by goalkeeper Devis Epassy, while Eder Militao, Bremer and Bruno Guimaraes all saw close-range efforts blocked by desperate Cameroon defending.
Brazil ended the game with 21 shots and an expected-goals total of 2.25 but couldn’t break down Cameroon, who came close themselves in first-half injury-time when Bryan Mbeumo’s header was clawed away by Ederson.
Pedro missed a glorious late chance to put Brazil ahead and Rigobert Song’s side eventually punished their opponents for their profligacy through Aboubakar, with the captain – recalled to the side after his goal and assist salvaged a point in their previous game against Serbia – nodding in a late winner before earning a second yellow card for removing his shirt in the raucous celebrations.
There was still time for Guimaraes to miss two more excellent chances to salvage a point for Brazil, who were fortunate that Switzerland were unable to add to their lead over Serbia and beat them to first place in the group.
Cameroon’s win was not enough for them to progress to the last 16, with the African side ending their World Cup campaign in third place in Group G on four points.
Brazil held onto top spot thanks to having a better goal difference than Switzerland, with both sides ending the group stage on six points. Serbia, who fell to a 3-2 defeat to the Swiss, finished bottom with just one point.
Brazil will play South Korea in the last 16 on Monday – kick-off 7pm – while Switzerland will play Portugal on Tuesday, with that tie also kicking off at 7pm.
Sky Sports