The World Cup group stages conclude today with the final fixtures from Group G and Group H.
Germany crashed out in the groups for the second straight time on Thursday night, despite coming from 2-1 down to defeat Costa Rica 4-2.
It wasn’t enough due to Japan’s dramatic win over Spain in Group E’s other game. Spain led 1-0 at the break and were in total command, only for Japan to score twice in three minutes and hold on for a historic 2-1 victory. It meant Japan topped the group and Spain only edged past Germany on goal difference.
Japan’s second goal was also highly controversial, with a VAR decision adjudging Kaoru Mitoma’s cutback for Ao Tanaka’s tap-in to count, despite it happening after the ball initially appeared to have crossed the bye-line.
In the earlier games, another surprise group winner emerged, as Morocco claimed top spot in Group F with a 2-1 win over Canada. They will be joined in the knockouts by Croatia, who drew 0-0 with Belgium. That resulted condemned the Belgians to a humbling group stage exit, and prompted manager, Roberto Martinez, to quit after failing to guide the nation’s golden generation to any silverware.
Brazil and Cameroon face off today, with the African side needing a win to stand a chance of qualifying. Here’s everything you need to know about the game.
When is Cameroon vs Brazil?
Cameroon vs Brazil is being played at Lusail Stadium, with kick off at 7pm.
There will be coverage on ITV1 from 6.15pm. Ian Wright, Karen Carney and Joe Cole provide match analysis, with commentary from Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon.
The entire 2022 World Cup is being broadcast on free-to-air television in the UK, with the BBC and ITV sharing the rights.
All matches are therefore also available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or the new ITVX streaming platform.
What should we expect from Cameroon vs Brazil?
Cameroon’s coach, Rigobert Song, is expecting an “absolute scorcher” of a game against Brazil on Friday, a match he believes his victory-starved side is capable of winning having beaten the five-times World Cup winners before.
Winless at the World Cup since 2002, Cameroon are tied with Serbia on one point from their opening two matches and need to beat already-qualified Brazil in Lusail to stand a chance of reaching the last 16.
Brazil will field a different lineup against the African side, with the possibility of a game on Monday if they finish top of Group G.
“Cameroon have beaten Brazil before, yes. So it’s not completely out there,” Song said.
“Obviously, this Brazilian team will be beautiful to me. I have so much respect for Brazil, but in football there are realities that are slightly different.
“Sometimes there is an upset, anything is possible. And that is why I am firmly convinced that we are capable.”
Brazil are hopeful they will have Neymar back for the knockout stage as his recovery from an ankle injury is going well, assistant coach, Cleber Xavier, said on Thursday.
The 30-year-old Paris St-Germain forward was again absent from training on Thursday as coach Tite prepared his team to face Cameroon.
Defenders Alex Sandro and Danilo, who are also recovering from injuries, were part of the group which trained on Thursday and should be available for the knockout stage.
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“They are in the process of evolution. Our focus today is the match against Cameroon and then we will enter the decision-making process,” Xavier told a news conference.
“There is already a well-designed plan from our medical staff for the return of the injured players. They will be re-evaluated on Saturday.”
Juventus left-back Alex Sandro suffered a hip injury in the 1-0 win over Switzerland while Neymar and Juve right-back Danilo picked up ankle injuries in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia.
Brazil team doctor, Rodrigo Lasmar, has given no specific timetable for their return.
Brazil will top the group with a draw or win. If they lose and Switzerland beat Serbia, the top spot will be decided on goal difference.
What other games are on TV today?
For the final round of fixtures, games in the same group are played at the same time. This is because playing later could give one team an advantage, as they would know exactly what they would need to do to progress to the knockouts.
ITV has coverage of the end of Group G, with the games kicking off at 7pm.
Serbia vs Switzerland at Stadium 974 in Doha is on ITV4, with the programme also starting at 6.15pm. The game will be presented by Mark Pougatch, with commentary by Seb Hutchinson and Andros Townsend.
The final Group H fixtures will be played at 3pm, with both games on the BBC.
South Korea vs Portugal is being played at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan. Coverage is on BBC One. Gary Lineker presents, with commentary from Vicki Sparks and Danny Murphy.
Ghana vs Uruguay comes from Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah. Coverage is on BBC Two, starting at 2.45pm. Gabby Logan presents, while commentary comes from Steve Wilson and Dion Dublin.
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