CNN
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Soccer will be harsh generally, simply ask Cameroon.
The Indomitable Lions grew to become the primary crew to attain towards Brazil at Qatar 2022 on Friday, however its well-known 1-0 win towards the event favourite was nonetheless not sufficient to see it by way 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 towards Serbia within the different Group G sport 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 a lot of its key gamers.
Cameroon, in the meantime, knew it wanted at the very least a win towards 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 reality, Aboubakar’s aim got here utterly towards the run of play.
The striker’s effective header might not have helped its facet into the spherical of 16, however it was historic nonetheless – and was celebrated by the whole 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 variety, 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 damage picked up within the opening match, watched on from the stands on Friday, and Brazil supervisor Tite will hope his captain will be slot in time for the subsequent fixture.
Regardless of its dominance in possession towards Cameroon, Brazil regarded sloppy in entrance of aim and missed the little bit of high quality that Neymar so typically produces.
“It’s a warning sign,” veteran Brazil defender Dani Alves instructed reporters after the match. “There isn’t any 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 at present with the sensation that a good looking day slipped by way of the fingers of us gamers who weren’t enjoying 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 sport towards Serbia.
Regardless of taking the lead, the Swiss discovered themselves 2-1 down earlier than mounting a shocking comeback to take victory, and second place within the group.
