Brazil beats Cameroon and finishes first in Group A
Brazil have secured a much-expected Group A top qualification for the World Cup playoffs beating Cameroon 4-1 at Mané Garrincha stadium, Brasília, on Monday (June 23). Also as part of Group A's closing round, Mexico saw Croatia off the competition with a 3-1 score at Arena Pernambuco, Recife. The results entitle Brazil to play Chile at Mineirão stadium, Belo Horizonte, on Saturday (28), while Mexico take on the Netherlands on Sunday (29) at Rio's Maracanã, in the first playoff round.
The home team improved on its play from the two preceding games, with star player Neymar opening the score on 19 minutes after Luiz Gustavo stole the ball and made a great assist in the area, driving the crowd wild at Mané Garrincha. It was the 2014 World Cup #100 goal at Brazil squad's #100 World Cup appearance.
Brazil's fun was spoiled in less than 10 minutes when Matip equalized for Cameroon. But the home crowd's tension was short-lived as Neymar received an assist and shot just in front of the penalty area scoring Brazil's second goal on 35 minutes.
After a tense first half despite the partial 2-1 win, Brazil managed to maintained a presence throughout the final half. As midfielder Fernandinho replaced Paulinho, the players stuck closer together and left virtually no hope for Cameroon.
As early as on 4 minutes of the second half Fred finally scored his first goal in this World Cup, easing some of the crowd pressure after two lukewarm appearances. And on 38 minutes, Fernandinho completed the 4-1 score for Brazil. Man of the Match Neymar struck a brace and became the top scorer of the competition.
Brazil vs. Cameroon has been the third World Cup match to have taken place in Brasília and the third largest crowd ever at Mané Garrincha, with an official turnout of 69,112 fans.
Translated by Mayra Borges
Fonte: Brazil beats Cameroon and finishes first in Group A
