This 2022 FIFA World Cup brought many unexpected results. Many African teams have proven to be as good as the elite European and South American teams. Cameroon handed Brazil their first defeat in the World Cup group stage since 1998. Vincent Aboubakar’s stoppage time goal was the difference on the night.
The World Cup in Qatar may have been marred by controversy. However, the matches were fascinating, Japan defeated Spain and Germany. Elsewhere, Morocco beat Belgium and South Korea upset Portugal, followed by Cameroon’s historic win against Brazil.
Despite being eliminated, Cameroon made history by becoming the first African country to beat Brazil at the World Cup. Their win also ended the five-time world champions’ 17-game winning streak in the group stage. A run that began after their loss to Norway on June 23, 1998.
Cameroon’s win, thanks to Aboubakar’s perfect header, also ended Brazil’s seven-game winning streak against African teams at the World Cup. The Indomitable Lions are the first African team to beat the five-time title winners.
The crowd erupted when Vincent Aboubakar scored in stoppage time. However, the player’s delight was short-lived as he was sent off for taking off his shirt after receiving a card earlier. Cameroon showed hints of their threat earlier in the match. They were also the first nation to register a goal against the South American giants at the 2022 World Cup.
Vincent Aboubakar was the third African player to score against Brazil at the World Cup, after Didier Drogba in 2010 and Joel Matip in 2014.
Brazil, who have already qualified, came close to scoring but were denied by a brilliant keeper. Cameroon, on the other hand, finished third in the group with four points, while Switzerland, along with Brazil, qualified.
Brazil, considered the favorites, finished first in their group. They will now face Group H runners-up South Korea in the knockout stage. South Korea advanced to the last 16 with a dramatic late win over Portugal, surpassing Uruguay — who beat Ghana — in goals scored.
