Doha: Switzerland will not have a foothold in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup, which has been ‘infamous’ for huge upsets. Switzerland opened their account in Group G by defeating Cameroon by one goal against their opponents. The winning goal (47′) belongs to Brielle Mbolo, striker of a French League One club and a favorite of the Swiss fans. During the match, Mbolo also became a goal scorer in the 3rd game in a row for the national team. Brazil and Serbia are the other 2 teams in Group G.
Cameroon lost their footing after holding Switzerland to a goalless draw in the first half. Serdar Shaqiri measured and extended a pass from the right wing into the box with a ball provided by Granit Xhaka from midfield, leading to the goal. Unmarked inside the box, Embolo challenged the Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana and slotted the ball into the net with ease (1-0). In the first half, they could not score a single goal, but the excellent performance in the second half brought Switzerland to victory.
∙ Cameroon in the first half
Cameroon, ranked 43rd at the first half, were in a close contest against Switzerland, ranked 15th. Goalie Andre Onana was not tested by a single shot from Switzerland in the first half where the two teams were level. . On the other hand, Cameroon created good scoring chances but were not finishing.
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The game at the Al Janob Stadium heated up from the start with the Swiss team’s quick movements around star Xherdan Shaqiri playing on the right wing. Initially Cameron tried to force the Swiss to play in their own rhythm and make them defensive inside the box. They got their reward in the 10th minute for going up there and playing calmly.
Brian Mbiumo’s shot, which came from his own half, broke through the Swiss defense and into the box. Striker Eric Chopo, who was ready to take a shot inside the box, walked back disappointed that Moting Mbu did not turn the ball over.
Cameron, who was behind in possession, gradually took control of the game. Mbyumo on the right wing and Toko Ekambi on the left tested the Swiss defense with quick runs but the target was wide of the mark. The Swiss defenders worked very hard to block the advances and corner kicks of Chopo Motting and his team. Meanwhile, Switzerland also showed presence through the number of advances, but Briel Mbolo’s shot went wide. The Swiss had a golden opportunity to open their account in injury time of the first half. But this time Swiss defender Manuel Akanji’s free header from Remo Froler’s corner went wide of the post.
∙ Switzerland returns
A goal early in the 2nd dashed Cameron’s confidence. The Swiss attack gained more rhythm and flow as the Cameroon midfielders entered the Swiss box in an attempt to return the goal. Frank Anguiza’s weak header was easily saved by Yann Sommer in the 67th minute when Mbuyomo picked up a free kick from outside the box. Switzerland should have increased the lead from the counterattack received immediately afterwards. But Ruben Vargas’ powerful shot that was unmarked inside the box was beaten away by Onana.
The Swiss fans were also saddened by Anguiza denying the 2nd goal in the 67th minute through a goal saving clearance to Briel Mbolo. Cameron entered the box a number of times with advances through the wings, but the care of the defensive line and the hands of Onana made no mistake.
A shot at goal by substitute Haris Seferovic with seconds remaining looked to have given up on Onana, but the full-length dive of full-back Yan Charles Castelletto managed to save the ball.
English Summary: FIFA World Cup 2022: Switzerland vs Cameroon
