Cameroon defeated a weakened Brazil side 1-0 in their final Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G match at the Lusail Stadium tonight, but the historic victory was not enough to take them to the round of 16.
The Indomitable Lions finished third in the group’s standings on four points, two points below second-placed Switzerland, who defeated Serbia 3-2.
Brazil, who had already qualified and rested several regulars including Thiago Silva, Casemiro and Vinicius Junior, finished on top on goal difference with six points and will face South Korea in the round of 16.
Fred, Antony and Bruno Guimaraes all came close to scoring for the five-time champions, while Gabriel Martinelli was the standout player for them.
The game looked to be heading to a goalless draw before Cameroon finally found the breakthrough when Vincent Aboubakar headed home in the third minute of stoppage time. He was then sent off for a second yellow card for taking off his shirt in the celebration.
The victory for Cameroon is the first by an African team ever in the World Cup over Brazil.
In the group’s other game tonight, Switzerland reached the knockout rounds for the third successive tournament after a thrilling 3-2 win over Serbia to finish runners-up and set up a last 16 showdown with Portugal.
In a contest that was played at frenetic pace in the first half at Stadium 974, Xherdan Shaqiri put Switzerland ahead but Serbia scored twice within 10 minutes through Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic to turn the game around.
Breel Embolo pulled Switzerland level just before the break, while Remo Freuler scored three minutes into the second half to restore their one-goal advantage again.
The goals dried up afterwards and it suited Switzerland as they progressed.
