CAMEROON – BRAZIL | Friday 8 p.m.
Emulating fellow French coach Deschamps, Brazil selector Tite has already indicated that he plans to revolutionize the starting lineup on the final day of the group stage against Cameroon. Seleçao can afford it, having won their first two matches against Serbia and Switzerland, beaten 2-0 and 1-0 respectively, meaning qualification to the round of 16 with one round to spare. First place, which is likely to avoid a complicated clash with Ronaldo’s Portugal, is also now secured. The only ones who can catch up with and overtake the cariocas, first with full points, are the Swiss. But it will take Brazil’s defeat to Cameroon and simultaneously a victory for the Swiss over Serbia with several goals to spare, as the greenoro selection is well ahead in goal difference.
The absence of Neymar, who – ankle permitting – is expected to return in the first match of the knockout phase, was not felt as much. Brazil, just like France, can count on a very long roster, chock-full of champions capable of making a difference. Like Casemiro, for example, author of the goal that bent Switzerland. But Tite’s battleship is surprising especially in the non-possession phase: it has yet to concede a goal and boasts the best defense along with Croatia’s. With the success against the Red Swiss, the number of wins in a row became nine. And more generally, Brazil has not lost since July 2021: numbers that are impressive and confirm the strength of the Seleçao.
But while the South Americans only need one point to confirm the summit, Cameroon must get three to keep hoping. The Indomitable Lions are level at one as is Serbia, which was remounted from 3-1 to 3-3 in last Monday’s match, and in addition to winning against Brazil – already complicated in itself – they need Serbia and Switzerland to split the stakes or at least for Yakin’s men not to win. At that point, goal difference could be decisive: right now Cameroon would have the worst of it if they finish tied on points with Xhaka and co. (-1 and 0).
Cameroon-Brazil: the latest news on formations
Aboubakar
Onana, the Cameroonian goalkeeper owned by Inter Milan, was sent home after a disagreement with coach Song: as was the case in the challenge with Serbia, it will be Epassy’s turn to defend the Indomitable Lions’ goal. The big news in the anti-Brazil lineup is the presence of center forward Aboubakar, one of the main architects of the comeback over the Serbs as well as the author of a goal of rare beauty. The experienced Al-Nassr center forward will complete the trident formed by Choupo-Moting and Toko Ekambi.
In Brazil, as mentioned earlier, it will be «revolution.» First of all, there is the defection of Alex Sandro: the Juventus player contributes to populate an infirmary that already sees the presence of Neymar and Danilo. As for turnover, Antony and Gabriel Jesus will find space in attack, while in midfield Tite gives confidence to Bruno Guimaraes, a player who is doing very well in Newcastle. On the defensive left flank Alex Telles will take his place, while Eder Militao will act on the opposite side.
The prediction
Cameroon has cashed in as many as four total goals in their challenges with Serbia and Switzerland and it is quite unlikely that they will keep their goal unbeaten against an absolute level attack like Brazil’s. Especially in a match where Rigobert Song’s men cannot in any way think of just defending, having victory as their only option. At the same time, we think Brazil runs the risk of relaxing too much. And, having its head already in the round of 16, it may cash in at least one goal. In any case, the gap between the two teams is wide. Tite and his men remain favorites for the three points, which would allow them to armor the top spot and remain on full points.
The likely lineups for Cameroon-Brazil
- CAMEROON (4-3-3): Epassy; Fai, Castelletto, Nkoulou, Tolo; Hongla, Zambo Anguissa, Kunde; Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, Toko Ekambi.
- BRASILE (4-3-3): Alisson; Militao, Marquinhos, Thiago Silva, Alex Telles; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes, Paqueta; Antony, Gabriel Jesus, Vinicius Jr.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-3
