Brazil boss Tite has a problem with six players after Cameroon defeat

Brazil V Cameroon in pictures

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Brazil saw their unbeaten record at this World Cup ended after a shock 1-0 loss against Cameroon, with Vincent Aboubakar scoring the only goal of the game. It was a scrappy affair at the Lusail Stadium, a venue the Samba giants will be hoping to be back at when the World Cup final takes place on December 18. Express Sport will now take a look at four things we learned from the contest as they slipped to a surprising defeat. 

Tite has a selection headache

Throughout most of the tournament so far, Tite has been selecting Raphinha and Vinicius Jr on the flanks as he looks to guide Brazil to a sixth World Cup triumph.

Yet the performances of Manchester United and Arsenal attackers Antony and Gabriel Martinelli will give him food for thought, with both players impressive.

Antony produced some moments of entertainment with his skills and tricks, particularly in the first half, while Martinelli looked a threat on the left-side of their attack despite not always getting his reward.

Tite will now have to decide which out of the four forwards to start when they lock horns with South Korea in the round of 16.

And he faces a similar dilemma when it comes to his goalkeepers, too, with Manchester City’s Ederson doing well between the sticks after being picked ahead of Liverpool’s Alisson.

Jesus fails to take chance

Another player given a chance to stake his claim for a starting berth was Arsenal hitman Gabriel Jesus, who started the game on a night where Tottenham’s Richarlison was given a breather.

Yet while he’s been in fine form for his country, the Brazil star failed to make the most of his opportunity.

A lack of goals remains a problem for Jesus. He started the season in fine goalscoring form but they’ve dried up at the Emirates Stadium – and for his country now too.

Richarlison is a divisive figure, mainly due to the arrogance he’s sometimes shown over the course of his career.

Yet when it comes to being Brazil’s talisman, the Tottenham frontman is a surer bet. He’s already proved that this tournament, netting twice as his side put Serbia to the sword on matchday one.

Brazil so strong

Though Brazil were unable to make it three wins from three, it was clear just how strong they are when it comes to their squad.

They were able to leave players such as Vinicius, Casemiro, Richarlison and Alisson out of their team. Yet while they struggled to break the deadlock, the back-up cast still did well.

What a luxury it must be for Tite to be able to replace Casemiro with Fabinho, for example. The Liverpool star has struggled for form this season but remains a master of his craft, helping to keep the game ticking over.

Few countries have the depth Brazil do. It is a stark contrast to in Russia four years ago where they placed most of their faith in Neymar to deliver the goods, and though they lost tonight the support cast still proved they can do a job. 

That Neymar is set to return for the knockout stages will give them a boost, too. The Paris Saint-Germain star watched this contest from the bench and appeared to be enjoying himself as his team-mates took to the field.

Cameroon will have regrets

Cameroon played well enough against Brazil, getting stuck in right from the very beginning as they looked for a win that would boost their chances of making the knockout stages.

And Aboubakar was the hero, scoring in stoppage time to give his side a memorable win.

But their biggest regret will be their defeat to Switzerland on matchday one.

That was a game with few chances yet it was their opponents who picked up all three points courtesy of a goal from Breel Embolo.

Sometimes, those small margins make all the difference in football.

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