FIFA World Cup: Cameroon vs Brazil Preview, Predicted Lineups And Prediction

Cameroon vs Brazil Preview

If their performances against Croatia and Mexico are anything to go by, Brazil are far from the defending champions material that many people predicted they would be. A comeback win over Croatia and a labored performance in a goalless draw against Mexico means that Neymar and co. will have to win against Cameroon to guarantee their place in the knockout stages. A defeat for Brazil and a draw between Mexico and Croatia would knock the Samba boys out.

Brazil have looked a far cry from their polished sparkling selves from the Confederations Cup last year when they smashed three past Spain in the final. But in the second game against Mexico, it was the Mexicans who controlled the game without troubling Julio Cesar significantly. The Selecao have nothing in mind but victory against Cameroon to revitalize the confidence in the squad after a couple of lacklustre displays.

Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari will be expected to line up with the same team that took the field against the Mexicans and much rest on the shoulders of Barcelona star Neymar who has already 33 international goals in 51 appearances and six in his last five caps. For their African opponents, the World Cup in Brazil has been one to forget. Tensions in the camp have been at an all-time high, reflected by Tottenham Hotspur left back Benoit Assou-Ekotto’s headbutt on his teammate Benjamin Moukandjo. Alex Song’s elbow on Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic soured what was already a disappointing end to their tournament as they suffered a 4-0 defeat to the Croatians.

Manager Volker Finke will be without the services of the suspended Barcelona midfielder and Assou-Ekotto’s discipline may just have earned him a spot on the bench, but he will look to the likes of star striker Samuel Eto’o to inspire his side to a improved performance against the hosts.

Cameroon vs Brazil Predicted Team Lineups:

Cameroon: Itandje; Djeugoue, Nkoulou, Chedjou, Nounkeu; Matip, Aboubakar, Choupo Moting, Mbia, Enoh; Eto’o

Brazil: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, Gustavo, Ramires; Oscar, Neymar; Fred

Cameroon vs Brazil Prediction:

Brazil should have enough in the tank for a Cameroon side riddled with off-field issues, and the game could well be an indication of how good this Brazilian team really is. Even a win could see the Selecao take on either Netherlands or Chile in the Round of 16, and Scolari’s side have their task cut out to live up to the tag of the favorites.