Cameroon was winning. So, I was losing. So, I was winning again. The 3-3 shootout was a roller coaster of emotions, to say the least. There were 28 total shots, four yellow cards and some of the biggest drama of the World Cup.
It started with Jean-Charles Castellano’s goal in the 29th minute to give Cameroon an early lead. Olympiacos midfielder Pierre Kunde sent a huge corner kick towards a huge horde of players. Somehow, the ball reached an unmarked Castellano, who scored the first goal of the game.
The Indomitable Lions’ advantage did not last long. Serbian Strahinja Pavlović lost Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to a Dušan Tadić free kick and headed past goalkeeper Devis Epassy. Serbia doubled their goal tally with a calculated pass from Andrija Živković to Sergej Milinković-Savić, who sent a weak shot past Epassy just before halftime ended.
Serbia looked like they would kill the game after a sequence of passes that looked like they were just toying with their prey. Tadić dribbled into the box before dismissing it to Aleksandar Mitrović, who switched to Milinković-Savić. The Lazio man beat a defender before moving on to Živković, who found Mitrović, and his second assist of the day, just in front of goal.
Attack lifts Cameroon to key 3-3 draw against Serbia
The appearance of Vincent Aboubakar in the 64th minute changed everything. Castelletto launched a long ball that was caught by Aboubakar. He beat a Serbian defender on the edge of the box on a counterattack, dragged the ball back and sent a flawless chip over Vanja Milinković-Savić to make the game 2-3 for Cameroon.
Again after a counterattack after two minutes, Aboubakar threatened a goal down the right wing. The proximity of him to the goal and the free space around him forced the only defender to mark him. The Al-Nassr striker fed the ball back to Choupo-Moting, who scored to make it 3-3 in the match.
Although Mitrovic came close to scoring several times to give the game its seventh (!!) goal, Cameroon held on for its only point. Although impressive, the draw puts Cameroon at a huge disadvantage. Cameroon now needs a win against Brazil and favorable results from the Serbia-Switzerland match to have any chance of progressing to the knockout round.
Onana out of the call
Andre Onana was the key player for the Cameroonian team; the engine that could roar the Indomitable Lions. So it was very surprising when the news came out that Onana left Qatar and left the team. Onana is dedicated to the team; He has over 34 caps and led Cameroon to third place in AFCON. So why would he leave him?
Renowned source Fabrizio Romano reported that coach Rigobert Song due to his sweeper style of play. He protested and Song responded with an indefinite suspension from the national team until he agreed to change his playing style. But that’s the thing; Onana is known for his participation in the defense. He makes his name due to the large number of touches on him. So, he withdrew and Song started Epassy.
Of course, we know how it turned out. Defensive mistakes turned into offensive brilliance helped save the day and avoid Cameroon’s elimination, but some may feel that with Inter’s block, Cameroon would win the game.
You can only guess what Cameroon’s game with Brazil will be like without Onana. There is always the possibility of an upset upset like the one Cameroon nearly pulled off against Serbia. But without the stoppage of fire Song is hoping for, Cameroon is bound to have a tough time.
Aboubakar pleads for a starting position
Where one player leaves, another steps up.
Why did Song ban Aboubakar? Why isn’t he playing the full 90? Vincent Aboubakar brought both questions to life when he scored once and set up once to turn Cameroon’s match against Serbia on its head.
Their decision to leave Aboubakar on the bench is questionable, to say the least, especially as Aboubakar played a key role in Cameroon’s AFCON and World Cup qualifying campaigns. He also brings something Cameroon desperately needs: an air presence. He holds the ball, converts great chances and gives Cameroon an extra layer of offense.
Not starting Aboubakar earlier was unpleasant. He is a key player, experienced and, although he is getting older, he is still a competent goalscorer. Now, benching Aboubakar is nonsense. He has just scored a goal and assisted Cameroon in a crucial game from the minute he stepped onto the pitch. How can you not try to replicate that in Thursday’s match with Brazil?
Aboubakar should start the next match with Cameroon due to his impressive performance against Serbia. However, the Indomitable Lions need another master class early on.
PHOTO: IMAGO / MexSport Agency
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