Switzerland edged past Cameroon to secure a 1-0 victory in Group G as Breel Embolo (born in Cameroon) scored the winner.
Embolo struck early in the second half and although Cameroon had chances on the break, Switzerland always looked more dangerous and more likely to grab the win.
With Brazil and Serbia still to come for Murat Yakin’s Switzerland in Group G, getting three points here was vital.
[ LIVE: World Cup 2022 schedule, how to watch, scores, hub ]
Next up the Swiss face Brazil, while Cameroon clash with Serbia.
Swiss experience makes the difference
When it mattered most the tournament experience of Switzerland helped them edge to victory. Xhaka, Freuler and Shaqiri combined to set up Embolo and that was the difference in the final third. There was nothing between these teams throughout the vast majority of this game but when Cameroon broke free on counter attacks they couldn’t find the right pass or shot and just lacked that extra bit of quality. Switzerland will not be the best team to watch at this tournament but they are tough to beat and have a handful of experienced players who have the class to get the job done.
Stars of the show
Xherdan Shaqiri: Had that bit of extra class to find Embolo for the goal and when Switzerland got him on the ball in the final third, something good always seemed to happen.
Jean-Charles Castelletto: The Nantes center back barely put a foot wrong and helped keep Cameroon in the game. Great positioning and blocks throughout.
How to watch Switzerland vs Cameroon live, stream link and start time
Kick off: 5am ET, Thursday (November 24)Stadium: Al Janoub Stadium, Al WakrahTV channels en Español: TelemundoStreaming en Español: Peacock (all 64 matches)
Breel Embolo scores the opening goal for Switzerland! #FIFAWorldCup | #SUI
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) November 24, 2022
(via @TelemundoSports)pic.twitter.com/fKIqfxoEG3
Key storylines, players to watch closely
Switzerland have Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Yann Sommer back for another tournament, while they also have a talented group of young attackers ready to make their name as Embolo, Vargas and Okafor are all set for breakout tournaments. Manuel Akanji gives them a solid core in defense too.
Aufstellung / Composition / Formazione
— 🇨🇭 Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) November 24, 2022
🇨🇭🆚 🇨🇲
🕚 11:00 CET
📺 SRF 2, RTS 2, RSI La 2#natimiteuch #lanatiavecvous #lanaticonvoi pic.twitter.com/m4S4aw1lVy
As for Cameron, they have Napoli’s Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to boss midfield, plus strikers Vincent Aboubakar, Bryan Mbuemo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting will cause plenty of problems. Aboubakar will be appearing in this third World Cup for Cameroon and he’s scored 33 goals in 89 games for the Indomitable Lions.
COUPE DU MONDE FIFA QATAR 2022
— Les Lions Indomptables Officiel (@LIndomptables) November 24, 2022
Le XI entrant des #LionsIndomptables pour le match. #SUISSE 🇨🇭 🆚 🇨🇲 #CAMEROUN
📅 24/11/2022
⏰ 11H00
🏟 Al Janoub Stadium#FIFAWC2022 | #QATAR2022 | #ECRIVONSLHISTOIRE | #ALLEZLESLIONS | #LETSROARTOGETHER | #INDOMPTABLES pic.twitter.com/kCYl807Fub
Switzerland quick facts
Current FIFA world ranking: 15
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances: 12
How they qualified: Qualified automatically from UEFA (1st place)
Coach: Murat Yakin
Key players: Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, Yann Sommer, Remo Freuler
Cameroon quick facts
Current FIFA world ranking: 43
World Cup titles: 0
World Cup appearances: 8
How they qualified: Qualified from CAF playoffs
Coach: Rigobert Song
Key players: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting