2014 World Cup – Group A
Brazil vs Cameroon
Estádio Nacional de Brasília – Brasília, Brazil
Monday, June 23, 2014, 4:00 pm Eastern, TV, ESPN2
Money Line: Brazil -805 / Cameroon +2245 / Draw +765
Point Line: Brazil -2.5 Even / Cameroon +2.5 -120
Total: under 3.5 -128 / over 3.5 +108
All odds courtesy of Bookmaker
Brazil needs only to beat or draw Cameroon Monday in Brasilia to secure their place in the round of 16. Of course, Brazil has bigger goals in mind than strictly going to the next round. Brazil is looking for their sixth World Cup title and first since 2002. Brazil will likely clinch first in the group with a win unless Mexico beats Croatia by 2 goals or more. The winner of Group A will face Chile in the round of 16, and the runner up will face the Netherlands.
Brazil leads the series 3-1-0 against Cameroon. Cameroon won the last meeting 1-0 in the 2003 Confederations Cup. That was the only goal Cameroon has ever scored against Brazil. Brazil won the only meeting in the World Cup 3-0 in the group stage in 1994.
Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 in the first group match. They were a heavy favorite to Mexico last Tuesday in Fortaleza. Brazil peppered the nets with shots, and it took a heroic effort from Mexico keeper Guillermo Ochoa to keep El Tri in the match. Brazil had 14 shots and 8 on goal. None of them went in the net. Mexico had 13 and 3 but Brazil keeper Julio Cesar also kept a clean sheet as they played to a goalless draw. It felt like a loss to the home fans, but Mexico gladly took the point in match that could have been 3 or 4 nil. Mexico had 18 fouls to 13 for Brazil. Brazil had possession for 53% of the time. Brazil had 5 corners to 3 for Mexico. Brazil was called for offsides 5 times to 0 for Mexico.
After losing 1-0 to Mexico in the opening game, Cameroon lost 4-0 to Croatia last Wednesday in Manaus. Croatia took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Ivica Olic at 11 minutes. At 40 minutes Cameroon midfielder Alexandre Song was sent off after receiving a red card. Song will also miss the Brazil match. Croatia would take the 1-0 lead into the locker room at halftime. However in the second half playing 11 on 10, Croatia dominated. Ivan Pericic made it 2-0 Croatia at 48 minutes. Mario Mandzukic added goals at 61 minutes and 73 minutes. He missed the Brazil game after being suspended for a red card in their last qualifying game.
Croatia had 21 shots including 14 on goal. Cameroon had 18 and 7. Cameroon had 11 fouls to 9 for Croatia. Croatia had possession for 51% of the time. Croatia had 7 corners to 4 for Cameroon. Croatia had 4 offsides called against them and Cameroon had none.
Brazil is coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari. Brazil will use a 4-2-3-1 attack. Brazil forward Hulk will likely miss his second straight game with a muscle strain, but it is more for precautionary reasons. Neymar has two goals already in 2 World Cup games. Oscar and Fred can also score at anytime. Cesar is a top flight keeper.
Cameroon is coached by Volker Finke. Camerron will use a 4-1-4-1 attack. Cameroon has been outscored 5-0 in two games so far. They will be without Song after the red card against Croatia. Star striker Samuel Eto’o is doubtful with an injury. Jean Il Makoun is expected to start in place of Song. Charles Itandje is the keeper and will be hard pressed to keep a clean sheet.
Cameroon has lost six straight group stage games in the World Cup. No team has lost 7 straight World Cup games since Mexico in the 1950’s. They don’t look like they have the firepower to end that streak against Brazil who should be angry after a lackluster performance against Mexico. Brazil wins easily 3-0.
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