Switzerland's forward #07 Breel Embolo reacts during the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group G football match between Switzerland and Cameroon at the Al-Janoub Stadium in Al-Wakrah, south of Doha on November 24, 2022. Photo by Fabrice Coffrini / AFP
Doha: Cameroon-born Breel Embolo was on target as Switzerland beat the Central African country 1-0 in their opening group G match of the World Cup at Al Janoub Stadium yesterday afternoon.
Twenty-five-year-old forward Embolo’s successful effort from the centre of the box for his adopted country came three minutes into the second half as Switzerland garnered vital three points in a group that also includes tournament favourites Brazil, and Serbia.
“It’s quite special for him because of his links to Cameroon. I’m very happy he’s playing for us,” said Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer. “He’s always right there when you need him.”
An unmarked Embolo utilized a low cross by Xherdan Shaqiri to score and remembering his humble origins in Cameroon chose not to celebrate against the country of his birth and only respectfully raised his arms and closed his eyes as a small group of Swiss fans cheered wildly.
“I told him, ‘Breel, friendship until the start, then they are your opponents,’” said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin. “Football writes such stories but he completed his mission. I am very happy with his performance.”
The victory for Switzerland against a country with fighting spirits would have been sweeter as they have come to Qatar with big expectations. In the press meet before the match Yakin declared his squad “the best Switzerland side ever”.
Switzerland are now unbeaten in their first World Cup match going back across six tournaments. Their last defeat came in their opening match back in 1966 against Germany.
The defeat meant that now Cameroon have suffered eight straight losses at World Cups – an unwanted run for Indomitable Lions stretching all the way back to 2002.
Before the kickoff, reminding the glory days of Cameroon football, legend Roger Milla was honoured by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as the oldest goalscorer in World Cup history. Aged 42, he scored against Russia at 1994 FIFA World Cup USA.
Cameroon showed some glimpses of past yesterday especially in the first half before Switzerland rallied strongly in the second.
“It’s a feeling of disappointment. We wanted more but football at this level is decided by small details. There was a brief let-up and we conceded a goal,” said Cameroon manager Rigobert Song.
“In football when you dominate, you have to finish. It is true that we had more opportunities but we didn’t complete them. That’s what made the difference. The goal just did not come.
“The next match is decisive for us. We have to create opportunities,” said Song.
In the first 45 minutes Cameroon looked threatening with quick combinations, speed and power but lacked the desired finish.
Throughout the match Bryan Mbeumo, Karl Toko-Ekambi, Eric Choupo-Moting, Nicolas Nkoulou all had their chances to score but neither could go past the Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer.
The Swiss next play Brazil on Monday with Cameroon taking on Serbia.
