FIFA World Cup: Cameroon eyeing historic win over Brazil in final group-stage game on December 2, 2022

Topics: TV Schedules, Cameroon, Brazil, FIFA World Cup

Anything but a victory will see the Indomitable Lions exit the tournament. Unfortunately, they face a high-flying Selecao side looking to win the group.

The final day of the 2022 FIFA World Cup group stage is upon us. Friday, December 2 will bring a wrap to the first round, with Brazil taking on Cameroon at Lusail Stadium in a group where there is so much left to play for.

Of the four teams in this group, Brazil enter this clash with little to no pressure. Unlike everyone else, the South American giants have secured their spot in the round of 16 thanks to their six points, winning their opening two games.

The Selecao kicked off their campaign with an interesting showdown against Serbia, one of the underdogs of this competition. Tite fielded an exceptional lineup featuring the likes of Neymar, Vinicius Jr., Raphinha, Richarlison, and Casemiro — just to name a few.

However, the five-time world champions struggled in the first half and were limited to just a few opportunities. Nonetheless, the Brazilians exploded into life in the second half, with Richarlison netting a brilliant brace en route to a 2-0 victory.

The Tottenham striker's first goal was a poacher's finish while his second was a brilliant acrobatic effort deemed the goal of the tournament by many. While Tite's side lost Neymar to injury, Canarihno marched on and beat Switzerland a few days later to secure their ticket to the next round.

The 1-0 victory over Xhaka and Co., however, was a lot more labored. A brilliant 83rd-minute goal from Casemiro separated the two sides and secured the three points for Brazil. Now, Tite's side can rotate for the final day and offer minutes to their fringe players but the team must also secure the top spot.

Topping the table could mean avoiding Portugal in the round of 16 as Cristiano and Co. are the favorites to win Group H. Unfortunately, the Selecao will be facing a nation fighting for survival.

Cameroon's campaign has been anything but smooth so far. The African giants were never the favorites to make it out of the group but ahead of their opening game against Switzerland, all was well.

The Indomitable Lions went on to lose that game 1-0, with Breel Embolo scoring the only goal. As a result, a bounceback was needed in their following fixture against Serbia. However, before even a ball was kicked, controversy emerged.

The national team manager Rigobert Song had a falling out with goalkeeper Andre Onana regarding his style of play, with the boss wanting him to go long from goal-kicks while the ball-playing custodian was unwilling to. As a result, the Inter Milan ace was kicked out of the squad and sent home prematurely.

This meant that Cameroon had to deliver on matchday 2 following this brave move from Song. Unfortunately, Devis Epassy, the man who was subsequently promoted, struggled in between the sticks against the Serbians.

Nonetheless, the five-time AFCON champions enjoyed an unforgettable battle against the Eagles. Choupo-Moting and Co. took the lead first in that encounter but after going 3-1 down, their time at Qatar 2022 appeared over.

However, Vincent Aboubakar came in as a second-half substitute and inspired a brilliant comeback, scoring once before assisting the equalizer en route to a 3-3 thriller. Regardless, the odds don't favor the African giants as their journey will come to an end if they fail to beat Brazil.

Team news

Brazil: Neymar remains sidelined due to an ankle injury and is even a doubt for the round of 16. Additionally, Alex Sandro has joined Danilo on the list of injured full-backs, meaning Alex Telles should start. Elsewhere, Tite is expected to rotate, with Gabriel Jesus, Antony, Gabriel Martinelli, and Bruno Guimaraes tipped to get their first FIFA World Cup starts.

Cameroon: As mentioned earlier, Andre Onana was sent home and will play no part, meaning Devis Epassy will start once again. Elsewhere, expect the Indomitable Lions to name a similar lineup, with Vincent Aboubakar probably returning to the starting eleven.

Key stats

Brazil have won five of their last six meeting with Cameroon, losing the remaining encounter.
The Selecao have never lost a FIFA World Cup game against an African nation, winning all seven encounters.
Additionally, the South American giants are yet to face a shot on target at Qatar 2022.

Permutations

Brazil have already qualified for the round of 16 and require only a draw to guarantee themselves as group winners. Cameroon, meanwhile, need to pull off the impossible and beat the Selecao if they are to even stand a chance of qualifying — but given what's happened all tournament, do not rule this out!

However, the Indomitable Lions need a favorable result in the other fixture as well. The African giants require either Serbia to beat Switzerland or the pair to draw. Then the no.2 spot will be decided by goal difference.