Fightback For Indomitable Lions Against Serbia: Both teams entered the match with losses under their belts. Jean-Charles Castelletto gave Cameroon the game’s first goal, but two quick goals from Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic before halftime gave Serbia the lead.
In the second half, Aleksander Mitrovic added a third goal, but Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting’s goals ensured that the points were shared.
-
:focal(1439x644:1441x642)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/11/28/3498925-71325668-2560-1440.jpg)
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting of Cameroon celebrates after scoring their team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Cameroon and Serbia at Al Janoub Stadium on November 28, 2022, in Al Wakrah, Qatar.
Fightback For Indomitable Lions Against Serbia Completed By Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
The thrilling match finished in a 3-3 draw as Serbia overcame a 1-0 deficit to take a 3-1 lead before Cameroon stormed back to tie the score. Now Cameroon must defeat Brazil and hope, while Serbia should succeed with a victory over Switzerland.
Both teams, Serbia having the more quality, went all out in an exciting first half as both needed the victory. However, Cameroon took the lead on a well-placed corner, with Jean-Charles Castelletto scoring at the back post following a skillful flick-on from Nicolas N’Koulou.
The loss stunned Serbia slightly, but by the end of the 45th minute, they were back in control. Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic scored twice in the final six minutes to turn the game around, and when Aleksandr Mitrovic added a third in the 53rd, the game appeared to be lost.
TALKING POINT
Football has been changing its rules for years while doing nothing to improve timekeeping. But these days, the extra time at the end of each half reflects something that happened during that time, and in this game, the six minutes added at the beginning made a big difference, giving Serbia the chance to score twice.
The technology is not flawless, but there is no excuse for us not to be able to see the referee’s watch shown on the ground and on displays, as well as when it is stopped and running. However, the ability to waste time should not be a necessary component of a footballer’s arsenal, and the best World Cup encounter so far was significantly influenced by Fifa finally taking action in this area.
MAN OF THE MATCH
SCOOP! ?
After a quick VAR check, Vincent Aboubakar’s superb lob stands #ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/jFgOYUXzjN
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 28, 2022
Player Ratings
Serbia: Milinkovic-Savic V 6, Milenkovic 6, Valjkovic 6, Pavlovic 7, Zivkovic 7, Lukic 6, Maksimovic 6, Kostic 6, Tadic 7, Milinjovic-Savic S 7, Mitrovic A 6. Subs: Mitrovic S 6, Radonjic 6, Babic 6, Grujic 6, Djuricic 6.
Key Stat
Key Moments
Serbia moves down the left and Kostic crosses from the line – I think the ball was out – but it comes over and N’Koulou thunks a clearance into Tolo, then Castellto shanks his, and Mitrovic is right there, eight yards out! But he scuffs wide, and that was as good a chance as he can possibly have hoped for!29’ – GOAL! Cameroon 0-1 Serbia (Castelletto) HERE HE IS! A terrific corner is flicked on at the near post by N’Koulou – that’s a great header – and Castelletto sniffs is out, racing to the far stick to tap home, sparking wild celebrations as the squad joins the scorer. What a moment that is!
45+1’ – GOAL! Cameroon 1-1 Serbia (Pavlovic) This is a great cross and a great header, Tadic standing it up and Pavlovic leaping – alone, it must be said – contorting body and head and power with his temple into the far corner! Serbia has earned that.
45+3’ – GOAL! Cameroon 1-2 Serbia (Milinkovic-Savic) AND THERE IT IS! Anguissa tries flicking over his own head to clear, Sergei challenges, and when the ball breaks to Zivkovic, he squares back t his mate who drives low and hard inside the near post – well inside really, but Epassy can only palm into the corner. Two goals in three added-time minutes!
53’ – GOAL! Serbia 3-1 Cameroon (Mitrovic) Serbia is all over this! Mitrovic drives forward, sees Kostic to his left, and feeds him. The ball comes over to Sergei on the other side, and he squares back for Mitrovic, and this time the finish is unerring. Serbia is serious!
63’ – AAAARRGGGHHH!
As I said he would, Aboubakar has made a difference, getting away. Turning inside his man who slides off towards Oman. And Abouakar poborskies in a glorious scooped finish … before the flag goes up!
64’ – GOAL! Cameroon 2-3 Serbia (Aboubakar) VAR intervenes! Aboubakar was onside, and though I’m sure he attempted such a difficult finish. Because he thought it didn’t matter, he’s now scored one of the great World Cup goals! This is boiling!
66’ – GOAL! Cameroon 3-3 Serbia (Choupo-Moting) WHAT ON EARTH IS GOING ON?! FOOTBALL IS GOING ON! Cameroon counter, Abouakar pulling right. He advances, crosses low, and Choupo-Moting snaps home from close range! That’s another gorgeous goal, and this is expletive great! Two more goals in three minutes, and Vincent Aboubakar has changed the game! Fightback For Indomitable Lions Against Serbia
Also Read:
- Saudi Arabia Coach Denies Player Of Rolls Royce Phantoms As Prizes For Defeating Argentina In The World Cup
- Brazil Open World Cup Campaign With 2-0 Win Over Serbia At Qatar 2022
- Ronaldo Reached World Cup Milestone As Portugal Edge Past Ghana With a 3-2 Win
- Saudi Arabia Defender Ali-Albulayhi Reveals Messi Taunt During Upset In Lusail Stadium Qatar
- Host Country Qatar Out of FIFA World Cup Tournament
- Neymar Ruled Out Until After Group Stage According To The Team Doctor
