Cameroon sealed a famous World Cup victory over Brazil in both teams’ third meeting at the FIFA World Cup but exited the tournament in hilarious circumstances.
The five-time African champions picked up their first win in Group G but it was unfortunately not enough to see them progress to the round of 16, thanks to an unfortunate Serbia loss to Switzerland. It was also their first win against Brazil, who held a 7 – 0 lead over them across two World Cup meetings coming into the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The win also delivered Brazil’s first loss in 17 games in the World Cup group stages and the Brazilians, who had already qualified for the round of 16, were visibly upset at their impeccable run being halted. But more than that, the circumstances surrounding the win for the Indomitable Lions provided some entertainment for the viewing fans.
Cameroon captain Vincent Aboubakar headed in a 92nd-minute winner for the win and took off his shirt to celebrate in the heat of the moment. The veteran striker had let the blood rush to his head that he forgot about the yellow card he received earlier in the game when he committed a tactical foul to stop a fast break from Brazil that could have led to a goal.
The referee showed him a second yellow and a red card eventually but sympathised with him in understanding of what the goal meant to Cameroon as a whole as he walked off the pitch. The Africans held on for the next few minutes to seal a win which was bittersweet in the end for their travelling fans.
The defeat was a warning to Brazil, who many believe are the outright favourites to win this year’s tournament.
Tite made a number of changes to the squad after he had sealed qualification with their second win over Serbia. Neymar, who was forced off with an ankle injury in the first game watched on from the stands as his team peppered Cameroon but were unable to create enough to pierce the defence of the Africans.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward was initially expected to be back in time for their round of 16 outing against South Korea, which was decided on the night. However, latest reports show that he is now a doubt for that game as well as his recovery from the ankle injury is progressing slowly.
