Embolo gives the first victory to Switzerland against Cameroon

Switzerland’s Breel Embolo scored the only goal against Cameroon – his homeland – in a hard-fought World Cup Group G opener.

The Indomitable Lions were unlucky to lose after an enterprising display at Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar.

Victory was vital for Switzerland, as both teams have yet to face Brazil in the group.

Embolo moved to Switzerland from Cameroon with his family when he was six years old and pledged allegiance to the European nation after being granted citizenship in 2014.

At 18, he created the Embolo Foundation to support refugee children in Switzerland and underprivileged children in his country of birth.

He said before the match that it would be “a very special occasion” to play against Cameroon and when he scored he respectfully raised his arms and closed his eyes.

“I said to him: ‘Breel, friendship until the beginning, then they are your opponents,'” Switzerland coach Murat Yakin said. “Football writes such stories but it has fulfilled its mission.

“I’m very happy with his performance.”

Cameroon boss Rigobert Song later admitted he “would have liked him to be by my side”, but said he was “proud” of Embolo.

“We are all proud of our country and you saw that he didn’t celebrate the goal,” Song said. “It’s an integral part of football and I’m proud of it.”

Embolo’s strike secured victory for a side with high expectations – Yakin said his side were “the best team in Switzerland ever” and said he expected them to achieve his best return at a World Cup.

After the match, captain Granit Xhaka echoed his coach’s comments, saying “we can beat anyone” and pointing to their record in recent tournaments as proof of their potential.

Yet Switzerland struggled in the first half against a dynamic start from Cameroon and should have fallen behind, with Eric Choupo-Moting, Bryan Mbeumo and Martin Hongla all missing presentable opportunities.

The goal rocked Cameroon and the Swiss had chances to extend their lead, only for Andre Onana to save superbly from Ruben Vargas, while Embolo and substitute Haris Seferovic were denied by the last defence.

The Indomitable Lions have now lost eight consecutive World Cup finals, but Song’s side have impressed here at times.

Song admitted afterwards that his next game against Serbia will be “decisive” if he is to have a chance of becoming the first Cameroonian team to progress beyond the group stage since 1990.

For Switzerland, the win gives them breathing space ahead of their match against group favorites Brazil on Monday.

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