Switzerland 1-0 Cameroon: African teams still without a World Cup goal
Switzerland opened their World Cup campaign with a well-orchestrated 1-0 win over Cameroon.
Following a goalless 90 minutes, the Indomitable Lions join the growing list of African teams who have not scored yet in the World Cup.
The Opening 10 minutes saw Switzerland dominate possession. La Nati couldn’t capitalise on early corner opportunities.
Cameroon’s first chance came moments later as they slipped through the Swiss lines and counterattacked from deep within their half. Bryan Mbuemo had his attempt deflected by Yann Sommer and Karl Toko Ekambi’s followup sailed over the goal.
The Swiss dominance created an opportunity for them to take the lead. Xherdan Shaqiri found Breel Embolo with the later stumbling and calling for a penalty. Referee, Facundo Tello rightfully called the move offside.
Cameroon tried to strike back on another counterattack in the 13th minute. Once again, Yann Sommer proved why he is one of the best keepers in the world and stopped Cameroon taking the lead.
Through the opening half hour, it was Cameroon playing in a free-flowing style. Their dynamic forwards kept the Swiss defence on their toes. Mbueno and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting continued to play with without fear.
The first booking of the game came in the 35th minute. Cameroon’s Collins Fai was shown yellow for his poor challenge on Embolo.
This referee is not shy when it comes to bookings. Tello booked 1o players during the Champions Trophy Final in Argentina a few weeks ago.
Four minutes into the second half and Cameroon’s defence finally came undone. A clinical cross from Shaqiri found an unmarked Embolo and he slotted it in behind André Onana to give Switzerland the lead.
Shaqiri has now been involved with 50% of his side’s 24 goals in the last four major tournaments.
There was no celebration from Embolo as he scored against the country of his birth.
La Nati’s goal breathed confidence into their style of play. Several breaks over the next 15 minutes saw them test the flailing Cameroonians but Onana was steadfast as the last line of defence.
Switzerland’s bombardment continued down the right-hand side and in the 66th minute, Rubén Vargas had his rocket of a shot stopped by Onana. Cameroon were able to shutdown Embolo’s attempt that came in from the subsequent corner.
With 20 minutes to go, Switzerland made a significant triple substitution. Shaqiri, Embolo and Djibril Sow were replaced with Haris Seferovic, Fabian Frei and Noah Okafor.
Cameroon swiftly followed with a double substitution. On came Vincent Aboubakar and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou as Choupo-Moting and Toko Ekambi were replaced.
As the game entered the final stages, it never reached the same level of dynamic play following the large number of substitutions. The Swiss controlled possession and continued to have the best of the chances with Granit Xhaka coming close to a second Swiss goal in the 88th minute.
Switzerland’s win was vital as they now get ready to face Brazil in the next of their group G fixtures.
