Brazil qualify first place despite loss to Cameroon

Cameroon pulled off a shock win over Brazil in the final group-stage match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup. A combination of results meant that the five-time champions still topped Group G and will have a relatively favorable draw in the tournament’s knockout phase, which kicks off tomorrow.

The winner came in stoppage time, when Vincent Aboubakar connected on a cross from the right to beat the resistance of Ederson, who had already saved another header from Bryan Mbeumo late in the first half.

With Switzerland beating Serbia 3-2 in the simultaneous group closer, another Swiss goal would have placed Brazil in second, potentially facing group H winners Portugal, Spain, and France or England in its road to the final. Instead, the Seleção managed to win its group for the 11th straight World Cup, this time based on goal difference, and will go on to face South Korea in the round of 16.

The result also confirmed how competitive the World Cup’s group phase was, with no team securing a perfect three wins out of three for the first time since the eight groups of four format began in 1998.

Brazil’s defeat, however, was not as much of a shocker as, say, Argentina’s debut loss to Saudi Arabia, or Japan’s stunning victories over world champions Spain and Germany.

This is because coach Tite, based on the fact that his team was already qualified for the next round, played as many reserves as he could in order to keep legs fresh for the knockout stages.

No player in his starting eleven was also part of the lineup in Brazil’s debut versus Serbia, although a couple did play in the team’s second game against Switzerland due to injuries.

Despite this, the quality on the pitch showed the depth of Brazil’s squad, with Arsenal’s attacking duo Gabriel Jesús and Gabriel Martinelli, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and Manchester United’s Antony. Notable names in defense also included Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, as well as veteran right-back Dani Alves — the player with most international titles in football history.

The drop off in quality was evident, but Brazil still created the most chances, most of them through Martinelli, who was the most dangerous of the group. 

The loss will be seen as a disappointment and perhaps brush off some of the gloss surrounding the team after two solid starting performances, but Brazil is still in a decent position to lift its sixth trophy.

Uruguay’s dramatic elimination earlier today means Brazil will avoid a potential South American rival in the next round, while the team will face the winner of Japan-Croatia if they beat South Korea to make it to the quarterfinals.

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