Neymar scored twice, Fred disproved critics and Fernandinho added a fourth – as Brazil overcame some first half jitters to cruise past Cameroon.
– See more at: http://www.tsmbrazil.com/2014/06/WorldCup-Game2-MEXCMR_13.html#sthash.P8bOtK6q.dpuf
A highly emotionally charged Brazil, pumped up from their anthem, would see an early free-kick fizzle out as Hulk was fouled by Bedimo. Soon after, Paulinho pulled back a shot that was blocked. There was an electric atmosphere as the Brazilians began with one-way traffic.
Cameroon were able to survive the early wave of attack, with a corner kick obtained. They pressed Brazil, at times though too physical with early fouls called. David Luiz looked concerned after clearing Aboubakar’s troubling through ball into the box. Cameroon held their own.
After Allan Nyom shoved Neymar to the ground at the end of a footrace towards the corner flag, Brazil would reopen themselves with their own positive spell.
Near to the left touchline, Luis Gustavo opened up down the left, navigating around defenders, and crossing it low to Neymar, who’s sidefooted attempt went straight past Itandje into goal. Cameroon were still reeling two minute later, when Neymar perfected a volley but went straight at the keeper.
There was no light at the end of the tunnel for Cameroon, just yet. Paulinho’s low cross to Fred was taken down by a tackle, but almost trickled into goal, although Itandje safely collected the ball. The Cameroonian keeper then scrambled onto Hulk’s troubling cross.
Thiago Silva got in the way of Eyong’s shot, and it almost was diverted into his own goal. Then, Cameroon struck the woodwork from the corner kick.
For all that pressure, Brazil would be punished.
Failing to pick up on any defenders, Joël Matip got on the end of a low driven cross, tapping in from close range to stun the Brazilians. Cameroon scored their first World Cup goal against Brazil, no wonder… Brazil’s defending was horrific.
Brazil would expose Cameroon’s biggest weakness – a long pass from Marcelo found Neymar in enough space to deceive two defenders, onto his right and driving it low into goal, putting Brazil back in the lead.
Hulk was unable to complete a beautiful buildup that saw Neymar’s turn eventually lead to Hulk, but he scooped it towards the defender. The corner would not materialize and Brazil went into the interval in charge.
Brazil were quick out of the blocks for the second. First, Hulk was excellently tackled on his charge into the box, before Fred’s shot from outside the box stung the keeper’s hands, out for a corner.
Fred would deter critics after he extended Brazil’s lead with a free header. After a blocked shot, he got on the end of the cross to put Brazil in a comfortable position.
With news of Mexico increasing their goal difference, Brazil’s top spot in the group was in jeopardy.
But Fernandinho, surging into the box pocketed it past the keeper to make sure that Brazil would top the group.
Brazil would finish top of the group.
Questions are asked of Brazil, and the questions are answered. Neymar and Co. help to ease past Cameroon as they breach into the Round of 16.
Complete Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup »
Connect With Us!
/**/
TheSportMatrix.com 