Switzerland vs Cameroon: The Indomitable Lions look for first World Cup win in 20 years
Switzerland and Cameroon kickstart Group G in tomorrow’s clash at the Al Janoub Stadium.
This will be the first time in World Cup history that the two male teams meet on football’s grandest stage.
In the lead up to this tournament, the fates of both teams balanced on a knife-edge during thrilling qualifying campaigns.
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions secured a winner as late as it can come against Algeria in their qualification playoff.. Karl Toko Ekambi struck gold in the 124th minute, as penalties loomed, to reach the finals of the World Cup for their eighth time, with their last appearance coming in 2018.
Switzerland had the unenviable task of getting through European champions, Italy in their playoff match., who they edged out to reach their fifth tournament in a row.
In a pool that features favourites Brazil,every game matters for the remaining three teams. Both Cameroon and Switzerland will be desperate to secure all three points
The Swiss will be led by Arsenal midfielder, Granit Xhaka. Despite suffering a 2-0 loss to Ghana just days before the tournament began, La Nati should be hopeful of making the Round of 16 for a third consecutive tournament. A trio of Nations League victories including wins against Portugal and Spain will stand them in good stead.
Throughout their qualifying campaign, Switzerland’s manager, Murat Yakin, has been able to cook up one of the best defences in Europe. They have the second-best clean sheet record compared to the other European countries who have qualified. No team in Europe conceded fewer goals than Switzerland’ for better impact
One of the key elements to this Swiss roadblock is keeper, Yann Sommer. Seen as one of the most underrated players coming into this World Cup, the Borussia Mönchengladbach star saved Kylian Mbappé’s penalty that saw La Nati unceremoniously dump the World Champions out of last summer’s Euros.
That penalty save was one of 21 attempts Sommer stopped at the Euros, including 10 against Spain.
With an eagerness to dominate possession and some fantastic weapons up front for Cameroon, Switzerland’s penalty box will become an intriguing battleground.
Led by captain, Vincent Aboubakar, the Indomitable Lions are a nuisance for keepers. During the African Cup of Nations, Aboubakar, Cameroon’s top goal scorer, helped his country top the table in terms of goals scored with eight of his own. Assisting the veteran up front will be Toko Ekambi who creates chances all over the field.
Many of Cameroon’s players are vital components of Europe’s top clubs. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting has had a cracking start to the 2022/23 season scoring six goals for Bayern Munich. Cameroon can also rely on Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who has played his part in Napoli’s rise to the top of the table in Italy’s Serie A.
Cameroon will be desperate for a fast start but by contrast, the Swiss will be more than happy to grind out a 1-0 victory. Regardless, this game is vital for either team to progress through to the next round.
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