Vincent Abubacar led Cameroon to a final 1-0 victory over Brazil before being sent off on Friday, but it wasn’t enough to save the Indomitable Lions from an early World Cup exit or prevent Seleção from topping Group G.
After seeing Brazil secure their place in the round of 16 by beating Switzerland last time, Tite made nine substitutions for his side, leading to a haphazard performance for Selecao at Lusail Stadium.
Davies Epassi kept Cameroon in the competition with some great saves before Abubakar nodded home with a stoppage time win for Rigobert Song’s men and was promptly given a second yellow card for taking his shirt off.
However, the result was ultimately inconsequential as Switzerland clung to a 3–2 win over Serbia in another group game, ensuring Brazil topped the list and sealed Cameroon’s relegation.
A story in four parts.
This #Soccer World Cup The group stage is drama until the very end! pic.twitter.com/v7iviclvYH
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Gabriel Martinelli came close to giving Brazil an early lead when his header led to a strong Epassi save, though it was Tite’s men’s closest result during an even first half.
Brazil were indebted to Ederson for keeping the game going when he made a great reflex save from a Brian Mbeumo header, while Abubakar made the effort as Cameroon entered the fray after the break.
These two Cameroonian forays seemed to bring Brazil to life, but Epassi somehow denied Eder Militao the open when he redirected the defender’s sloppy effort to his right post.
Anthony made another save from Epassi as Brazil continued to press, but the Selesão were caught on the other end with two minutes left in stoppage time when Abubakar directed a Jérôme Ngoma Mbekeli pass into the bottom right corner.
Abubakar was shown a second yellow card for his joyous celebration, but that goal was not enough to put Cameroon in the bottom 16 as Switzerland joined Brazil in progress.
