Host nation Brazil take on Cameroon in their final Group A game at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia on Tuesday, June 24, from 6am (AEST).
The game
For Brazil
another win should ensure they finish top of the group and progress to play
either Netherlands or Chile in the
knockout stages starting on Sunday morning Australian time. They should triumph
over the winless and goalless Cameroon
who have failed to fire at this tournament. But as the World Cup has shown so
often, an upset is not out of the question.
The big issue
The big issue is whether Cameroon
has the motivation within to finish strongly after their campaign was brought
to an abrupt conclusion by a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of a fired up Croatian
outfit.
They were also gallant in defeat
against Mexico in the heavy
rain of Natal,
but were fortunate the offside flag limited the heartache to just one goal. To
beat Brazil
they need to buck their trend and get on the scoresheet early and often.
The game breaker
Hulk looks set to return to the
Brazilian team and if he lives up to the hype could put the issue beyond doubt.
The team is under immense pressure and despite being unbeaten, look vulnerable
and are giving their knockout stage opponents (whoever that maybe) plenty of
hope. Mexico
was able to shut down their forward line on the back of a goalkeeping master
class delivered by Guillermo Ochoa.
For Cameroon it is now or never for
veteran striker and Captain Samuel Eto’o. He certainly needs to take charge and
lead with his boot and not his mouth. This game will mark his swansong from the
World Cup and his tiring legs certainly aren’t what they used to be this time
around. All interest will be on whether he can add to his tally of 56 goals
from 118 appearances for his beloved Indomitable Lions.
Prediction
It is simply too hard to go past
the class and power of the Brazil
team in this one. If they can finally start with a bang then beware Cameroon.
The Selecao has so much more to
play for and the squad will be looking to sharpen their form as they move into
the pressure-filled business end of the World Cup. Cameroon
could be lucky enough to snatch a goal if Brazil switch off.
Judging by the high rate of goals
being scored in the group stage, this game should be no exception so a 3-1
score line in favour of Brazil
seems accurate but maybe conservative.
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