| Serbia vs Cameroon |
|---|
| SCHEDULE | TIME |
|---|---|
| GAME | Serbia vs Cameroon |
| DATE | 28/11/2022 |
| TIME | 03:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) |
| ARENA | Al Janoub Stadium |
| LEAGUE | FIFA World Cup 2022 |
| FULL TIME |
|---|
| Serbia [3-3] Cameroon |
Match Preview of Serbia vs Cameroon
Both beaten in their opening game of the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Cameroon and Group G rivals Serbia convene for a crucial clash at Al-Janoub Stadium on Monday.
While the Indomitable Lions were tamed by Switzerland on Thursday afternoon, their European counterparts suffered at the hands of pundits' favourites Brazil; losing 2-0 to the Selecao despite keeping them at bay for an hour. Both now face an almost win-or-bust scenario in Al Wakrah.
Although they managed to hold higher-ranked opponents for the first half of their Group G opener, a 48th-minute goal from Yaounde-born Breel Embolo proved the difference in Cameroon's defeat to Switzerland.
As a result, the West African nation are still seeking their first victory at the World Cup since 2002, when current Cameroonian Football Federation president Samuel Eto'o was the last player to net a winner for his country on the global stage.
After their first-day setback, they have also lost eight World Cup matches in a row, so will now be eager to avoid equalling Mexico's unwanted record of nine in that regard.
Rigobert Song's side, who qualified for Qatar in dramatic style by pipping Algeria to the post, arrived in the Middle East as the fourth-lowest ranked team to feature at this year's finals, so are realistic about their prospects.
Dreams of extending their adventure into the knockout stages remain alive, though, and the five-time African champions must at least avoid another loss on Monday. Such a result combined with a draw between Brazil and Switzerland would bring an early end to their campaign; leaving little to play in a final group game against the much-fancied Brazilians.
It was the Selecao who left Serbia pointless after their opening fixture at Lusail Stadium on Thursday, as the two nations reproduced the same result as when they met in Russia four years ago - a 2-0 victory for Brazil.
The repeat was sealed by Richarlison's second-half strikes; handing the Serbians only a third loss in their last 17 internationals. In the aftermath, coach Dragan Stojkovic bemoaned a lack of fitness for some of his star players but also acknowledged his team had lost to the better side.
Having crashed out at the group stage in their three previous finals appearances since gaining independence, Serbia have now lost eight of their 10 World Cup matches in total - the most defeats by any European nation.
Our Predicted Lineups
Serbia possible starting lineup:Simon; Azpilicueta, Rodri, Laporte, Alba; Pedri, Busquets, Gavi; F. Torres, Asensio, Olmo
Cameroon possible starting lineup: starting lineup:Onana; Fai, N'Koulou, Castelletto, Tolo; Anguissa, Ondoua, Hongla; Mbeumo, Choupo-Moting, Toko Ekambi
Who will win the match?
We say: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia. Serbia have scored freely in recent times, and after being stymied by one of the World Cup favourites in their opening match can now revert to type by finding the net more than once against lesser opposition. While they rarely give much away at the back, Cameroon have to push on at some stage in search of three points; leaving the Eagles' talented technicians space to pick them off.