The Brazil vs Cameroon game provided an opportunity for Brazil to stamp their authority in this tournament by securing a win and topping the group while Cameroon would wish to leave Brazil with some points.
The game started with Brazil frantically trying to take control of the game. Neymar’s free kick from a foul on Hulk was cleared with Cameroon defending in numbers to stop the rampaging Brazilians. Hulk was looking dangerous with his runs on the right but the defence held firm. Cameroon started to impose their play in midfield with Mbia letting his physical presence count and Aboubakar and Choupo-Moting stepping up in attack. Moukandjo’s free kick on the 14th minute was well saved by Julio Cesar.
Luiz Gustavo’s good work to win the ball in midfield paid dividends as he released Neymar, who slotted home his third goal of the tournament on the 17th minute. Another shot by Neymar was saved by Itandje on the 19th minute as Brazil laid siege on Cameroon’s box. Itandje was again saved by the referee’s whistle as Fred struggled to bundle the ball in.
Moukandjo’s free kick was headed by Matip unto the crossbar and soon after Nyom outwitted Diego Alves with his Brazilliant play and set up Matip to tap in the equaliser on the 26th minute. Cameroon started to play with confidence as they created chances but couldn’t take advantage.
A long ball was intercepted by Cameroon but Marcelo picks up and passed to Neymar, whose fine run into the box was not dealt with and he scored to restore Brazil’s lead on the 37th minute. The Estadio Nacional de Brasilia erupted in joy after the Brazilian fans had been silenced by Cameroon’s equaliser.
David Luiz fouled Eyong outside the box but Moukandjo’s free kick was headed out by Thiago Silva. A fantastic team play by Oscar and Neymar could not be finished by Hulk as the first half ended 2:1 in favour of Brazil.
Fernandinho came on for Paulinho at the start of the second half in a change aimed at closing up the space afforded Cameroon in midfield. Itandje saved smartly to deny Fred and pulled off another save again from Neymar’s audacious free kick. Fred gets his first goal of the tournament, heading home on the 49th minute from a David Luiz assist.
Another long pass released Hulk, but Matip dealt with the threat admirably. Salli came on for the impressive Moukandjo on the 58th minute as Cameroon sought to find their way back in the game. Luiz Gustavo’s error almost led to Cameroon’s second but Julio Cesar rushed out and cleared. Ramires came on for Hulk in the 62nd minute to help contain the valiant Cameroonian display.
Neymar’s run from deep was tracked admirably by Mbia, a signal for Brazil to withdraw their golden boy with Willian coming on in his stead. Cameroon brought on Webo for Aboubakar and the substitute Salli got a caution for a foul on Dani Alves shortly after.
Willian released Marcelo but his cross was cleared and Cameroon admirably kept pushing forward. Gustavo limped off for treatment after a foul by Mbia as Cameroon brought on Makoun for Choupo-Moting. Fernandinho exchanged quick passes with Oscar and stole in to drive home their fourth goal of the night and settle the nerves after news had filtered in that Mexico were leading Croatia 3:0.
In the closing minutes, Marcelo released Willian but his shot was dealt with by Itandje. The game ended 4:1 in favour of Brazil. They top group A with 7 points with a superior goal difference to Mexico, who won 3:1 and qualified with 7 points also.
Neymar’s brace inspiring a thrilling encounter with Cameroon and setting up a classic South American duel with Chile, who qualified as runners up in group B.
Amazing game it was. Neymar is really the player