Serbia had their backs against the wall in the last group match against Switzerland. The “Serbian Eagles” needed a win to keep their chances of reaching the round of 16. Brazil, on the other hand, were already firmly in the knockout stages of Group G. Nevertheless, the Confederates had the best starting position. With a win, the “Nati” would have saved themselves any looks at the parallel game.
Immediately after 27 seconds, Embolo pulled completely free in front of Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. But the Serbian goalkeeper clarified and prevented the Serbs from falling behind early on. After five minutes, Nikola Milenkovic headed just wide of the Swiss goal from a corner. Nevertheless, it was the Swiss who were able to celebrate the first goal of the game. Shaqiri gave the Swiss the lead (20′). The Serbs responded in the 26th minute. Tadic served Mitrovic with a measured cross. The Fulham goalscorer headed straight into the far corner to make it 1-1. Shaqiri almost tied his brace in the 30th minute. But the Swiss flicked the ball to the side netting with his outside instep.
Instead, Serbia turned the game around in the 35th minute. After the Swiss lost the ball, Tadic pinned Vlahovic, who was able to make it 2-1. Switzerland did not let that throw it out of the ban. Embolo knew how to convert a sharp cross from Widmer to the second pole (44th). The Swiss seamlessly continued the second half of the game and once again celebrated the lead. Shaqiri chipped the ball into the penalty area, Vargas put a heel on Freuler, who in turn put the ball dry into the net (48′). The Serbs didn’t have an answer and had to return home after the 2:3 defeat. Switzerland, on the other hand, is celebrating reaching the round of 16.
The “Selecao” was able to play freely in the duel against Cameroon. With six points you already had the ticket for the round of 16 in your pocket. The “Indomitable Lions” also needed a threesome and at the same time support in the parallel game. In the end, Cameroon won 1-0. However, this victory brought only a small sensation to the lions. Thanks to a goal by Vincent Aboubakar in added time (92nd), Cameroon kept the upper hand against the “Selecao”.
It was Cameroon’s first success at a World Cup in 20 years. In the end, the Central Africans finished third in Group G with four points. Brazil dominated the game for long stretches, but the newly formed team of team boss Tite didn’t particularly convince. The necessary efficiency was often lacking, especially on the offensive. South Korea is now waiting for the Selecao in the round of 16.
