Match 13 of the FIFA World Cup 2022 saw Cameroon take on Switzerland, where the latter emerged victorious 1-0 in a generally uninspired match in the World Cup Group G. Breel Embolo was the sole goal scorer of the match and gave Switzerland the victory.
The opening minutes of the match were a bit cagey, with Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo breaking away on a through ball in the 10th minute to give Cameroon the first opportunity to attack. Yann Sommer of Switzerland parried his attempt, and Karl Toko Ekambi smashed the rebound over the crossbar.
Four minutes later, Cameroon was involved once more when Swiss Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji’s pocket was grabbed by Eric Maxim Choupo Moting. The former Stoke and current Bayern Munich captain of Cameroon sprinted forward but his effort lacked a clean connection, and Sommer was able to prevent it.
Embolo’s close – range goal made a huge difference, and while he was appropriately reserved in his celebration, his teammates embraced him in appreciation for what may prove to be a crucial goal with tests against Brazil and Serbia still to come.
Despite dominating the first half, Rigobert Song’s Cameroon team lost the World Cup finals for the eighth time in a row. With this team proving to be a pale copy of the tough but magnificent side that broke new path for Africa as quarter finalists at Italia 90, they again face an uphill battle to advance to the knockout stage.
With 6 minutes remaining in the half, Embolo advanced toward goal in the finest opportunity for the European team, but was stopped by a perfectly timed challenge from Jean-Charles Castelletto. As the half drew to a close, Akanji rose high to put a header from six yards wide. In the 57th minute, Choupo-Moting escaped his defenders on the right touchline, but Sommer stopped his attempt to cross the ball into the six-yard box.
As the half neared its midpoint, Switzerland twice came within a whisker of adding a second goal. First, Zambo Anguissa provided a crucial touch to stop Embolo from turning in from the ensuing corner, and then Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana turned away a shot from Ruben Vargas following more excellent work down the right from Shaqiri.
Although Seferovic was stopped by a superb last-ditch block by Castelletto and Swiss captain Granit Xhaka’s low attempt from beyond the box was stopped by Onana, Murat Yakin’s men had already accomplished enough. Though they did pretty much dominate the end moments of the match, the 7 minutes of extra time wasn’t sufficient enough for Cameroon to score and equalize and once the referee’s whistle blew, it was game over. Switzerland beat a valiant Cameroon 1-0 in their opening match.
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