Cameroon greeted each other in style with a historic win against Brazil, who still won their zone

There was no other way to conclude the first round in Qatar, perhaps the craziest World Cup in history. The humble Cameroon gave the coup by beating the colossus and always candidate Brazil 1-0 and no team finished the first stage with three wins and no goals against. And something else: If Switzerland, who beat Serbia 3-2, scored one more goal, leapfrogged the Brazilians at the top of the zone and thus further paved the way for the staggered.

It is difficult to determine where to start counting Brazil, even when playing a low-key game like the one played against Cameroon. It’s hard not to be tempted Daniele Alvesthat right-back who marked an era and who was the starter and captain against the Africans and became the oldest Brazilian player to play in a World Cup, with 39 years and 210 days, surpassing Thiago Silva (38 years and 67 days). He didn’t have a brilliant performance, much less the good Dani: his physique no longer allows him to climb and climb as if he were a striker. But he gave away some pearls and entered the stadium playing a bass drum and dancing with his mates. Joy is not only Brazilian, but almost.

Coach Tite had one luxury: fielding a totally alternative team, if we compare the first match against Serbia. Therefore, most of the players will arrive rested for next Monday’s round of 16 match against Korea. Will Neymar be there? According to Rio de Janeiro media reports, yes. For now, he has been observed happy in the stands watching his teammates.

The biggest surprise of the match was provided by Cameroon with the rare 4-2-4 with which he was planted to damage his rival. This form of play became fashionable during the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, when Brazil itself dazzled Garrincha, Vavá, Pelé and Zagallo on the offensive front. Of course, the difference in hierarchy between those and Africans is huge and that’s why Mbeumo, Choupo-Moting, Aboubakar, Ngamaleu it almost didn’t bother. They only had one, but Ederson stifled Mbeumo, who had headed in a cross into the right sector.

And Brazil was unable to exploit the spaces. The game’s scenario seemed to suit Antony’s speed perfectly. (Maybe the most cancerous soccer player at the World Cup?)by Gabriel Jesus, Rodrygo and Gabriel Martinelli. The aforementioned Brazilians are substitutes and two play for Arsenal, one for Manchester United and one for Real Madrid. A scary substitute. They weren’t good in the last few meters and Brazil didn’t have good ball circulation either. For this he simply added two arrivals at the opponent’s goal, both with Martinelli as protagonist and with the winning Cameroonian goalkeeper (first he saved with a header and then a very powerful right foot).

The goalkeeper was a figure Devis Epassywho in the plugin continued to fly and fly to deny Martinelli, the best of South Americans, the celebrations. Brazil deserved better luckIt must be said: 65% of ball possession, 21 shots on goal and 11 corners. Even if it should also be clarified that he didn’t play well. The cast directed by Tite had many cons and abused firulette. Too much magic and not very effective.

Cameroon defended itself, ran, ran out of legs. Ederson’s bow was far away. But he believed it, as they say these days. He had one and was unforgiving. Ngom Mbekeli hit a perfect cross from the right and the crest vincent aboubakar He said yes to the ball entering from the center of the area to place it on the left post of the goalkeeper. A simple and beautiful lens. It was 45 minutes. Cameroon struck, one of many in this World Cup. Information: Brazil had never lost against an African in the World Cup (they had played 7 and won them all).

He showed that Brazil has potential. He has many alternatives on offense and is usually tidy on defense. But he knows he can’t relax, much less underestimate his rivals. Because in Qatar, as the slogan of the Argentine Cup says, anything can happen.