Apologetic Embolo beat Cameroon 1-0

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AL WAKRA, Qatar — Switzerland defeated Cameroon 1-0 to earn Cameroon’s maiden victory against the tide of play from an apologetic Brier Embolo against his country of birth. World Cup Group G at Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.

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It was a good day for the Swiss, but a bad day for African football, where the Qatari team has yet to score a goal in the tournament.

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With the exception of Cameroon, Tunisia, Morocco and Senegal all failed to find the net in their opening match. Ghana will play Portugal later on Thursday.

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Born in Yaounde and raised in Basel, Embolo put the Swiss at the top of the group with a goal three minutes into the restart from a Xherdan Shaqiri cutback.

As a small group of Swiss fans cheered enthusiastically at Al Janoub Stadium, the 25-year-old raised his hands in the air and frowned as he refused to celebrate the goal of his 60th international appearance. .

“We know his story. .

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“Football writes stories like that, but he delivered on his mission. I’m very pleased with his performance.”

Serbia will face Brazil in their other group match later on Thursday.

The Swiss goal came after Cameroon dominated the first half and missed several chances to take the lead.

After defeating Algeria in the playoffs to qualify for the tournament, the indomitable Lions overwhelmed the Swiss with quick combinations, speed and power in the first 45 minutes.

They created the first chance ten minutes later, with Brian Mbumo testing goalkeeper Jan Sommer before Karl Toko Ekambi sent a rebound over the bar.

The Swiss again ran into trouble a little later, with in-form forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting winning possession and charging into the box only for Sommer to block his effort.

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Seeking their first World Cup victory in 20 years, Cameroon became more daring, challenging their opponents in one-on-one situations, but the Swiss rarely managed to get into the African side’s box.

Switzerland advanced to the last 16 in the last two tournaments World Cupveteran Shaqiri cut into the area at the start of the second half and Embolo tapped to take the winner.

Almost the same move after an hour saw Switzerland nearly score again, but Ruben Vargas’ shot was pushed wide by keeper Andre Onana to keep them in the game.

Cameron was unable to replicate his performance in the first half and luckily didn’t allow another performance in stoppage time for Harris Seferovic.

“The next game is decisive for us. We have to create chances,” said Cameroon coach Rigoberto Song.

“In football, when you dominate, you have to finish. We certainly had more opportunities, but we didn’t complete them. That’s what made the difference. The goals didn’t come.”

Switzerland will face Brazil next Monday, while Cameroon will face Serbia.

Postmedia football expert Derek Van Diest covers all kick-offs of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. subscribe today You can access all his coverage.

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