Brazil played Cameroon on Friday (2 December) in an effort to become the first team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup to win all three group-stage matches. Vincent Aboubakar scored in injury time to give Cameroon a historic 1-0 victory. Tite’s team had a lot of chances and controlled the game for most of the night.
Brazil was able to qualify for the last 16 despite their loss at the Lusail Iconic Stadium because they won Group G (six points). Despite having six points overall, Switzerland finished behind the five-time world champions due to a lower goal difference.
Only Eder Militao and Fred remained in the team that started last week’s 1-0 victory over Switzerland, but Tite made a staggering nine additions.
Fred, a Manchester United midfielder, sent an inch-perfect cross into the Arsenal goal area in the 14th minute. The forward did well to make head contact, but he was unable to direct it past Devis Epassy, the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
Six minutes later, Nouhou Tolo was let go down the left flank by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The left-back sent a good cross into the area for Aboubakar, but Ederson stopped it with a powerful punch.
In the second half, Cameroon’s first real attack led them to score in Brazil. Jerome Mbekeli, a substitute, sent a great cross into the box in added time, and Aboubakar was there to stop it.
The goal scorer, who had already received a yellow card, took off his shirt to celebrate, and the referee immediately dismissed him.
Cameroon became the first African nation to defeat the South Americans at a FIFA World Cup despite Canarinho’s intense efforts to equalize. In Brazil’s final Group G match on Friday, here are three players who disappointed and a few who impressed:
Underperformed: Antony
On Friday, the Manchester United winger Antony made his debut at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Over the course of the game, the right-winger surprised everyone with his lightning-quick feet and silky tricks, beating his opponent numerous times.
However, the finished product did not quite meet his expectations. Antony also gave possession away cheaply and frequently appeared reluctant to return.
Antony lost seven duels against Cameroon, lost possession 21 times, and lost all four of his crosses. Before being replaced in the 79th minute, he also failed to make two dribbles and lost ten passes.
Performed: Dani Alves
The oldest Brazilian player to ever compete in a FIFA World Cup put on an unforgettable performance against the African nation. The 39-year-old right-back worked well with his teammates, pursued every ball, and was willing to work hard.
Alves completed 57 passes (87.7% accuracy) at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, won nine duels, threw two accurate long balls, and received two penalties. He also made an interception, blocked a shot, attempted five tackles, and cleared the ball twice.
Underperformed: Alex Telles
Despite Alves’ mini-masterclass on the right flank, Alex Telles appeared out of sorts on the left. He didn’t go for it very often, didn’t do anything for his teammates, and didn’t distribute the ball accurately.
Telles failed to make any crucial passes on Friday night, lost possession nine times, and misplaced two crosses and a long ball. The Sevilla man likewise lost two of four duels and lost six of 28 ground passes prior to falling off the pitch with a thump.
Performed: Marquinhos
A center-back for Paris Saint-Germain, came on in the 54th minute to replace Telles, who had been injured. Despite playing in an unfamiliar position, he completely ruled the game, connecting with teammates effortlessly, and scoring numerous great chances.
Marquinhos completed all 31 of his passes, played three crucial passes, and created three big chances in a nearly flawless performance. Additionally, he executed a precise cross and only once lost possession (the fewest in the match).
Underperformed: Gabriel Martinelli
On Friday, the Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli was selected over Vinicius Junior to play on the left flank. On the field, Martinelli was a wildcard with a lot of initiative, but he was completely wasteful in front of the goal.
When he failed to complete Marquinhos’ delicious layoff from just six yards out in the 98th minute, it was possibly his biggest mistake of the night.
On Friday, in the game against Cameroon, Martinelli missed two big chances. He also lost three of four crosses, lost seven of twelve battles, lost possession 16 times, and was wrongly ruled out once. Vinicius Junior is unlikely to have any trouble regaining his spot in the round of 16 matchups against South Korea given Martinelli’s performance.