World Cup 2022: Cameroon and Serbia Aim to Stay Alive

Cameroon vs Serbia

Cameroon and Serbia are looking to make a last-ditch effort to sneak into the knockout stage here in World Cup 2022 since both of them are at the bottom of Group G following their lacklustre World Cup 2022 results earlier this week.

The Indomitable Lions came up short against the Swiss on Thursday, while the Serbs were bludgeoned by Brazil, courtesy of star boy Richarlison as he notched a brace.

Both sides cannot afford to lose since it would essentially mean that they’re headed for an early exit. Just ask hosts Qatar, who became the first team to be eliminated following their 3-1 defeat to Senegal.

Continue to read on below as SBOTOP previews this high-stakes match.

Talking Points

Cameroon forwards need to assert themselves

Bryan Mbeumo was arguably the best player for Cameroon during their opener against Switzerland since he was their most dangerous attacking outlet, which includes a key sequence in the first half where he tested Yann Sommer in the 10^th minute.

At 23 years of age, Mbeumo is far from a finished article, but he has the tools to succeed at the highest level and he can be Cameroon’s cornerstone for years to come. He is one of Brentford’s top players this season with three goals and one assist so far.

Cameroon had been the dominant side against Switzerland, but their lack of precision cost them dearly. From the moment the Swiss took the lead because of Breel Embolo – who happens to be born in Cameroon – the Indomitable Lions never threatened from there.

Mbeumo will be joined once more by the veteran duo of Karl Toko Ekambi and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The three of them make for an intriguing attack, but they must find a way to make it work as soon as possible since time is not on their side.

Serbia in need of a creative spark

The Serbs had zero shots on target against Brazil, which is certainly disappointing since they have talent up front. Strikers Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Tadic were anonymous, while Dusan Vlahovic was unable to make considerable impact off the bench.

Serbia were content in holding their South American counterparts scoreless and maybe steal something on the counter. But after making it tough for Brazil to score for around an hour, they were eventually broken down.

They could’ve used someone like Filip Kostic since he offers creativity from all areas of the pitch. At the same time, Dragan Stojkovic might need to think about putting Dusan Vlahovic in the starting XI to bolster their attack.

Kostic was unavailable against Brazil since he was carrying a knock, and Stojkovic is praying that he’ll be 100-per cent fit soon.

The Juventus attacker is arguably the most versatile player on Serbia’s roster as he can be effective in midfield or from the wings. He has been influential for I Bianconeri this season with one goal and six assists thus far.

History

Cameroon and Serbia will meet for the second-time ever on Monday. Their previous matchup happened in June 2010 where the Indomitable Lions beat the Serbs 4-3 in a high-scoring friendly.

Serbia have now lost eight of their 10 World Cup games – which is the highest loss percentage of any nation to have played at least 10 World Cup games (80-per cent).

The last time that the Serbs made it out of the group stage was in 1998 where they were eliminated by Netherlands in the Round of 16. At the time, they were still known as the FR Yugoslavia national team.

The Indomitable Lions have lost each of their last eight games at the World Cup. They last made it to the knockout stage in 1990 where they went to as far as the quarter-finals.

Betting Tip

The World Cup 2022 odds picked Serbia to win this pivotal match, but we’re inclined to think that this is going to be a tight affair. Serbia were priced at 1.73 while Cameroon are installed at 4.70 in the 1X2 market, but we’re going for a draw at 3.55.

A fully fit Serbian team should certainly be the favourites here, but that’s not the case according to their manager Dragan Stojkovic. With that said, earning their first World Cup point since 2002 is going to be considered as a win for Rigobert Song’s side.

Goals are to be scored in this contest, but don’t expect a lot. So, going for Total Goal 2-3 @ 1.80 might be a viable alternative bet.

 

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