Cameroon is faced with an uphill test in securing qualification to the last 16 of the World Cup as they go toe-to-toe with Brazil at the Lusail stadium - who are already through to the next stage of the competition and will only need a point to top Group G, but unless they lose and Switzerland win with a significant goal margin.
Having annexed just one point from their first two games, the Indomitable Lions will make it to the knockout stage with a win or either a draw, or for Serbia to beat Switzerland by a one-goal swing.
“Being first is always the goal, regardless of who the opponent is in the next match,” said Fabinho, one of the men set to come into the XI. “Our focus is always to win the games, try to earn nine points and give our best.
“Whoever will play will have the opportunity to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team in a World Cup, so the thought of a winning team has to always be this, to enter, give the best, win and be the first.”
Tite might rotate his Brazil squad, but his charges have set a high standard for themselves, winning both games without conceding or even facing a single shot on target. They are the first team not to face a shot on target in their first two games at a World Cup since France in 1998.
“Personally, I don’t think [maintaining the standard] brings pressure to us,” added Fabinho. “I think playing in a World Cup is every player’s dream. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing.
“We have to face this with great joy, knowing the responsibility, come in and give our best. We know the way the team (Cameroon) plays, they are solid defensively.
The indomitable Lions have lost only two World Cup matches to South American side's, but both have been in their two meetings with Brazil, who have won all seven of their finals clashes with African opposition, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two.
TEAM NEWS
Andre Onana will not be in goal for Cameroon, having been sent home for disciplinary reasons after a disagreement with the manager - Rigobert Song, regarding his style of play.
Devis Epassy, although with his inexperience, he will be given the nod between the sticks, as he did in the last match, while Vincent Aboubakar might start up front - having climbed off the bench to score a scoop chip and then posts an assist for the equaliser against Serbia
On the other hand, Brazil have a number of players who are injured, with Alex Sandro the latest player to be ruled out after undergoing a scan regarding the hip issue that forced him off against Switzerland.
In his absence, Alex Telles might start at left-back, having been brought on for the final five minutes last time out.
Star player Neymar will miss the match due to an ankle injury which ruled him out of the last game, while Danilo will not be in contention for a place in the backline.
Tite may rest a few Brazil players as a result of already qualifying for the round of 16, so Gabriel Jesus, Bruno Guimaraes and Antony could be given some more minutes.
PROBABLE XI
Cameroon: Epassy; Fai, Castelletto, Nkoulou, Tolo; Hongla, Anguissa, Kunde; Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting, Toko Ekambi
Brazil: Alisson; Militao, Marquinhos, Silva, Telles; Casemiro, Guimaraes, Paqueta; Antony, Jesus, Vinicius Jr
MATCH OFFICIALS
Center Referee: Ismail Elfath (USA)
Assistant 1: Kyle Atkins (USA)
Assistant 2: Corey Parker (USA)
Fourth Official: Ning Ma (China)
Video Assistant Referee: Alejandro Hernandez (Spain)
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Juan Martinez (Spain)
Offside Video Assistant Referee: Pau Cebrián (Spain)
Support Video Assistant Referee: Ricardo Burgos (Spain)
CHANNEL: Kickgh.com, StarTimes, GTVSports+, Globe TV, ETV, SuperSport,
KICKOFF: 19:00 GMT (7:00pm)
By: Pascal Nii Gogo Amoah
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