FIFA World Cup: Brazil advance as group winners despite defeat

Cameroon scored in second half stoppage time to defeat Brazil in Friday's match, but the group's other result means the Indomitable Lions are eliminated from the competition.

With the group's other game ending in a 3-2 win for Switzerland over Serbia, Cameroon's four points are not enough to see them advance.

But the result will nonetheless live long in the memory of Cameroonians and weigh heavily on the mind of Brazil coach Tite.

The first half passed relatively without incident – possibly as Brazil, who only needed a point to be sure of progression, were able to dictate play and looked reluctant to expend too much energy.

While Gabriel Martinelli and Rodrygo looked lively and Antony had some joy down the right-hand side, the Brazilians had little to show from their first 45.

After the break, Cameroon seemed to use the chance to create momentum. Vincent Aboubakar pulled a shot narrowly wide of Ederson’s post as the Cameroonians grew in confidence and urgency.

Martinelli produced the first real moment of magic of the second half, however, striking a curling and dipping shot at Epassy, who lept to flip the ball over the bar.

From the resulting corner, Eder Militao swung a leg at a loose ball forcing Epassy into another save – the goalkeeper spilled the ball, leaping back towards his line to prevent an embarrassing goal.

But it was to be Cameroon who would open the scoring, with Aboubakar guiding in a sumptuous header in stoppage time and picking up a second yellow card for pulling off his shirt in celebration.

Martinelli and Bruno Guimaraes missed late chances to equalise, but Brazil progressed as group winners all the same to face Korea Republic in the round of 16.

Brazil's Dani Alves became the oldest player to make an appearance at a World Cup for Brazil. At 39 years and 210 days, he topped Thiago Silva (38 years and 67 days vs Switzerland in 2022) and Djalma Santos (37 years and 138 days vs Hungary in 1966).

(With UNI inputs)