Day 9 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is over as the tournament's second round of matches have wrapped up as Portugal beat Uruguay 2-0 in the final game of the day with Bruno Fernandes scoring both goals to put his team through to knockout stages with a match to spare.
Earlier Brazil needed 80 minutes to score but ultimately snuck by Switzerland 1-0 thanks to a goal from Casemiro. It was hard work for Brazil but they got it done. Without Neymar pulling the strings, the attack frequently looked ponderous for Brazil with a well organized Switzerland team resisting getting themselves broken down for 80 minutes. But, eventually, the Swiss were ground down and it was Casemiro stepping forward from defensive midfield into the box to receive a flick from substitute Antony that made the difference. Brazil are only the second team, following France, to win their first two matches, and they've now clinched a spot in the round of 16.
To get Monday kicked off it was all goals all the time at the World Cup. It all began with an exciting and clash between Cameroon and Serbia, chock full of action. The match ended 3-3 after Cameroon scored the opening goal but then at the end of the first half Serbia managed to overturn the result and scored twice in less than three minutes. It seemed to be over for Cameroon after Serbia scored the third goal with Aleksandar Mitrovic at the beginning of the second half, but the African side scored two goals with Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
Later, South Korea and Ghana set the tone for Group H with a five goal thriller as Ghana won the game 3-2. South Korea opened the game up with lots of possession and earned seven corners in the first half, but Ghana struck twice with goals by Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus for a lead at halftime. A strong counter pressing attack by South Korea in the second half led to two goals to make things level, both from Cho Gue-sung. But the game winner came from Ghana as Kudus recorded his second in the match to secure all three points for the African side.
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No Neymar, a few problems?
Brazil weren't overly sharp, but when you can not have your best day in attack and still beat Switzerland 1-0, you are doing something right. Without the injured Neymar, the attack did not flow like it did in the opener against Serbia, but it was more than enough as Casemiro's goal with under 10 minutes ago lifted Brazil to six points. The victory was enough to see Brazil clinch a spot in the round of 16. While the attack was sometimes out of sync, still learning how to cope without their superstar, they still had their moments.
Vinicius Jr. looked to have scored the opener before his goal was disallowed, leaving Casemiro to do this:
After having nine shots on frame in the opener, Brazil managed five in this one, but they once again were efficient enough and can now even rest some players on Matchday 3.
Uruguay in huge trouble with Ghana next
Who would think that a team with Darwin Nunez, Fede Valverde, Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani would be scoreless after two games. Diego Alonso's men are in deep trouble after another goose egg in attack.
They hit the post in this one with substitute Maxi Gomez, and Rodrigo Benatncur missed a golden chance in the first half. If you recall, Diego Godin hit the post in the opening draw against South Korea, too. It's not like they are having trouble creating, they just aren't converting. Well, against Ghana, they will have to.
To advance, Uruguay must beat Ghana and hope South Korea don't beat Portugal, because if they do, it will come down to goal differential.
But do not discount the Ghanians after their 3-2 win over South Korea. They have five goals scored this tournament and have proven to be a tough out. That should be no different when these two meet on Friday.
Portugal have all but avoided Brazil
This was a crucial win for Portugal. Not only does it punch their ticket to the next round, but it also makes them the heavy favorite to win the group, and with that comes, most likely, avoiding Brazil in the round of 16. With the Brazilians looking like a lock to win Group G, that means the second-place team in Group H would be their opponents in the next round. Portugal now have the luxury of still winning the group even if they suffer a one-goal defeat to the South Korean side.
World Cup scores, schedule
Monday, Nov. 28
Cameroon 3, Serbia 3
South Korea 2, Ghana 3
Brazil 1, Switzerland 0
Portugal 2, Uruguay 0