Brazil vs. Cameroon, 2014 World Cup: Final score 4-1, Neymar leads Brazil into the knockout round
Neymar’s brace helped push Brazil past Cameroon and into the top spot in Group A.
Matthew Lewis
Cameroon gave Brazil a tough test early, but were overwhelmed in the end as A Seleção cruised into the Round of 16 by winning Group A. Neymar scored twice, while Fred and Fernandinho both added goals as Brazil rolled to a 4-1 win.
Despite a strong start by Cameroon, it was Brazil who scored first in the 17th minute thanks to that really talented guy named Neymar. Luiz Gustavo's run help created the chance as he worked his way down the left wing after catching Cameroon in possession. Gustavo's low cross found Neymar lurking in the box for a tap-in past Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje.
A minute later Itandje denied Neymar a quick second goal, fighting off the striker’s attempt from the edge of the box.
The Indomitable Lions fought back though, and evened the match at 1-1 in the 26th minute. Allan Nyom got through a challenge by Dani Alves on the left edge of the box before cutting inside and centering the ball. Fellow defender Jöel Matip was waiting, unmarked near the far post, and buried the cross past Julio Cesar.
Neymar put Brazil back in front in the 34th minute as Brazil took advantage of a poor clearance by Cameroon. Marcelo intercepted a long ball and immediately sent a pass into Neymar’s path as he split through the Cameroon back line. Neymar cribbed inside, eluding two defenders before sending a low shot back across his body that Itandje had no chance to stop.
Brazil wasted little time expanding their lead in the second half, taking less than five minutes to score their third goal. David Luiz fired a cross in from the left side to Fred, who was free in front of goal for the close-range finish, giving Brazil a 3-1 lead.
Fernandinho added a fourth goal with five minutes to play, to ensure that Cameroon would not make a miraculous late comeback.
Brazil: Julio Cesar; Marcelo, Silva, Luiz, Dani Alves, Gustavo, Paulinho (Fernandinho 46’), Oscar, Neymar (Willian 71’), Hulk (Ramires 63’), Fred
Goals: Neymar (17’, 34’), Fred (49’), Fernandinho (84’)
Cameroon: Itandje, Bedimo, N’Koulou, Matip, Nyom, N’Guémo, Mbia, Enoh, Moukandjo (Salli 58’), Aboubakar (Webó 74’), Choupo-Moting (Makoun 81’)
Goals: Matip (26’)
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