Cameroon embarrass Africa

For the second time in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Cameroon conceded four goals in an embarrassing display that saw them lose 4-1 to Brazil in a Group A match at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia on Monday.

The result, combined with Mexico’s 3-1 win over Croatia also in Group A on Monday night, sees Brazil top the group with seven points followed by Mexico also on seven points.

Croatia sit in third place while Cameroon have zero points after losing all three of their 2014 World Cup games.

It was an entertaining opening 45 minutes with the action flowing from end to end.

If anything was clear, Cameroon came to play and were not going to be outshone by the home nation… at least that is what they thought before the nightmare that is Neymar struck.

Brazil controlled the opening exchanges and created their first chance on goal in the third minute when Neymar threaded Oscar in behind the Cameroon defence on the right side of the box. Oscar then squared for Neyamr who saw his 14-yard shot cleared off the goalline.

Brazil continued to push forward and managed to open the scoring in the 17th minute when Luiz Gustavo stole the ball and drove down the left flank before squaring for Neymar who calmly side-footed the ball home from 12-yards out, 1-0.

Cameroon, however, were not going to go down without a fight and came close to levelling matters in the 25th minute when Joel Matip met a corner-kick, but his ten-yard header struck the crossbar.

A minute later Matip did find the back of the net for Cameroon when he turned home a low left-wing cross from Allan Nyom, 1-1.

Neymar then found his second goal in the 34th minute when he picked up the ball in space, 30-yards out from goal, and drove into the box before producing a clinical finish from 16-yards out to give his side the lead, 2-1.

Cameroon nearly drew level for the second time five minutes later when a powerful 20-yard shot from Eric Choupo-Moting struck the side-netting.

The start of the second 45 saw Brazil dictating terms and they made it three five minutes after the restart when Fred headed home a David Luiz left-wing cross from only four-yards out under no pressure, 3-1.

Brazil took their foot off the pedal after that, but continued to control the game.

The home nation wrapped up a good display with their fourth goal in the 85th minute after a swift passing movement saw Fernandinho through on goal and he poked the ball home from ten-yards to make it 4-1.