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Monday, June 23, 2014

Game 35 Recap: Cameroon 1-4 Brazil

CAMEROON 1-4 BRAZIL

Under enormous pressure to perform in their final group match, it was a resounding victory for Brazil over a completely outmatch Cameroon side.

Star player Neymar scored his second brace of the tournament and took over the overall scoring lead in the World Cup at 4. Help from the Brazilian bench in the way of Fernandinho ensured Brazil would take first place in the group and advance to the Round of 16.

All Brazil to start this contest, as they were able to get plenty of early runs down the right flank against Cameroon. Some great passing nearly led to a goal in the 3rd minute but Paulinho flubbed his shot from inside the penalty area. Under enormous pressure, the Cameroon defence caved in the 17th.

A poor giveaway by Cameroon in the midfield led to a Luiz Gustavo cross from the left wing. The ball seemingly had eyes as it weaved its way through defenders and found Neymar alone at goal front. Neymar simply stuck out his foot to redirect the ball and it sailed past a stunned Charles Itandje in goal.

Neymar nearly made it to 2-0 moments later after bringing down a high ball but his strike was directly in to the centre of Itandje.

With Brazil on the road to a blowout victory, Cameroon threw a wrench in the process. Cameroon got  a pair of corner kicks awarded and after working the ball down the wing, were able to get a cross in to central defender Joel Matip who stayed around goal. Completely unmarked by David Luiz, it was an easy tip-in finish for Matip to equalize the game.

Brazilian fans didn't have long to despair though. Neymar's run through the centre of the field turned the Cameroon defence around before he shot back across his body for an easy goal as Itandje guessed and dove the wrong way.

There were a number of wayward chances for Brazil to end the half but they continued the pressure in the second half. Halftime substitute Fernandinho's fancy dribbling got Brazil possession around the Cameroon goal. The ball flung out wide to Marcelo before being crossed in to Fred who finished off with a header. It ended a long-goal drought for Fred and appeared to lock up the group for Brazil.

Brazil went in to cruise mode but ripples started going through the stadium as word got out that Mexico could eclipse Brazil for the lead in the group. Those fears dissipated quickly as Fernandinho tipped a shot home to give Brazil the 4-1 lead that would hand the hosts first place in Group A.

Goals

Cameroon: Joel Matip (26')
Brazil: Neymar (17' 35'), Fred (49'), Fernandinho (84')

Discipline

Cameroon: Eyong Enoh (Yellow 11'), Edgar Salli (Yellow 75'), Stephane Mbia (Yellow 80')
Brazil: N/A

Man of the Match

Had some verbal sparring matches all game with Allan Nyom but Neymar was the deserving Man of the Match in this one. Quiet off the ball all game but Cameroon had no answer for him when he was in possession. A first-half brace to stake Brazil to victory and had a few brilliant touches around the Cameroon goal to set others up with chances.

Key Moment

Up 2-1 to start the second half, Brazil found themselves all around the Cameroon goal. Fernandinho neatly brought the ball down and passed out to Marcelo on the wing. Marcelo's cross found an umarked Fred in front of goal who ended a year-long goal-scoring drought for his country. Cameroon had been threatening towards the end of the first half but this goal put the game out of reach and Brazil were able to cruise to a victory.

What we learned from Cameroon

Cameroon need to look long and hard at their effort and mental preparation in for this tournament. They actually looked decent in today's game but were doomed earlier in the group by this. Also need to reassess their goalkeeping situation. Charles Itandje is not a long-term solution in net. Complete lack of positional awareness and too often guessing what opponents will do.

What we learned from Brazil

Back to full strength, Brazil were in fine form offensively. Creative, quick and made the most of their opportunities. Fell asleep on the Cameroon goal though and had a couple other scares in their area. Its an ongoing problem for Brazil and one that sooner or later someone will capitalize on. Need Neymar to dial his temper back a bit, he has 2 more games to go without getting a yellow if they want to make sure they don't lose him for a game.

Going Forward 

Cameroon are heading home to do some serious soul-searching. Brazil will take on Chile in the Round of 16 this coming weekend.

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