South Korea vs Ghana LIVE: World Cup 2022 latest score and updates as Salisu and Kudus goals put Ghana in control
Kudus #Kudus
South Korea and Ghana meet in Group H of the World Cup 2022 in Qatar today.
Each side is seeking a first win at this unique winter edition of the tournament, with South Korea having held Uruguay to a promising 0-0 draw in their opening game, while Ghana put in a spirited performance as they came up narrowly short against Portugal, who emerged 3-2 victors over the Black Stars.
A win here for South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, would put them in a strong position to qualify for the knockouts, with a tie against Portugal to come. Meanwhile, Ghana have more work to do but would keep themselves in with a shot at advancing if they were to win today. Of course, the outcome of the day’s other Group H game between Portugal and Uruguay will also have an impact on the prospects of South Korea and Ghana.
Andre Ayew and Osman Bukari were the goalscorers for Ghana in their defeat by Portugal, while Tottenham star Son Heung-min is South Korea’s greatest asset.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
South Korea vs Ghana
South Korea take on Ghana in Group H match at World Cup 2022
68’ – GOAL! Kudus rifles home after Williams misses his kick (KOR 2-3 GHA)
61’ – GOAL! Cho scores another header to equalise (KOR 2-2 GHA)
57’ – GOAL! Cho pulls one back with a header for South Korea (KOR 1-2 GHA)
34’ – GOAL! Kudus nods home Ayew’s sublime delivery (KOR 0-2 GHA)
24’ – GOAL! Salisu lashes home from close-range after a free-kick (KOR 0-1 GHA)
South Korea played out a promising 0-0 draw with Uruguay in their World Cup opener
Ghana were unfortunate to slip to a 3-2 defeat against Portugal despite some positive signs
World Cup 2022: Ghana 3-2 South Korea
14:42 , Luke Baker
79 mins: Subs aplenty here. Firstly, Lamptey and both Ayew brothers are off for Ghana with Denis Odoi, Daniel-Kofi Kyereh and Kamaldeen Sulemana coming on.
For Korea, Hwang Ui-jo is on for Jung Woo-young.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 3-2 South Korea – OFF THE LINE!
14:38 , Luke Baker
Story continues
76 mins: It’s all happening now! The ball falls in the box for Kim Jin-Su, all alone at the back post but he scuffs his attempt into the ground and it’s cleared off the line.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 3-2 South Korea – SAVE!
14:34 , Luke Baker
73 mins: Free-kick in a dangerous position for South Korea. Son gets hacked down about 30 yards away from goal and Lamptey gets a yellow card for his troubles.
You’d assume Son would take it but the left-footed Lee Kang-in curls it goalwards instead. It’s over the wall and dipping into the bottom corner but Ati-Zigi goes to his left to tip it wide!
World Cup 2022: Ghana 3-2 South Korea (GOAL! Kudus ‘68)
14:28 , Luke Baker
Ghana now back ahead. Incredible!
Mensah gets down the left and puts a low cross into the box. Williams, lurking around the penalty spot, completely misses his kick and the ball runs through to Kudus who rifles home with his left foot.
The ball actually brushed off Williams’ foot as he air-kicked, so it might be his assist! The luckiest of assists if so but Ghana won’t care!
WATCH: Cho climbs the ladder to equalise for South Korea
14:28 , Luke Baker
Here’s Cho’s second goal that levelled the game at 2-2. He climbs the ladder to get above Mensah and thunders a header into the net
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-2 South Korea
14:27 , Luke Baker
66 mins: Ghana could easily be shellshocked by that rapid-fire Korea comeback – they need to steady the ship. They press forward in response.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-2 South Korea (GOAL! Cho ‘61)
14:21 , Luke Baker
OH MY WORD! THEY’VE EQUALISED.
It’s Cho again with the goal, again with a powerful header. Kim Jin-su gets to the by-line on the left, stands the ball up to the back post and CHo climbs the ladder above a helpless Gideon Mensah to power the header home – superb goal!
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-1 South Korea (GOAL! Cho 57’)
14:18 , Luke Baker
Goal for South Korea and it’s game on.
The ball is played out to the left and Lee Kang-in – just on as a sub for Kwon Chang-hoon – whips in a delicious ball, Cho Gue-sung gets in front of Salisu and stoops to head home past Ati-Zigi. Lovely finish and it’s been coming in this second half. What a game we have now!
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
14:16 , Luke Baker
54 mins: Ooh, that was dangerous. A Ghana corner whipped in and Kim Moon-hwan flicks it away but it’s only a few inches over the bar. Not sure why he was heading that towards his own goal like a flick-on rather than heading it away!
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea – SAVE!
14:15 , Luke Baker
52 mins: The best chance of the game, and probably the World Cup, for South Korea. A superb cross from the left and Cho Gue-sung rises highest, arching his neck to power a header at goal. Lawrence Ati-Zigi springs to his right and claws the ball away – a decent save but he probably could have caught it if not going for the camera dive!
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
14:10 , Luke Baker
49 mins: A decent start for South Korea in this second half. A cross from the right looks dangerous but bounces harmlessly through.
At the other end, Lamptey shows quick feet on the edge of the box and strikes for goal with his weaker left foot but it flies high and wide.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea – KICK-OFF!
14:06 , Luke Baker
45 mins: Back underway in Qatar – South Korea need a huge turnaround here.
WATCH: Kudus doubles Ghana’s lead
14:05 , Luke Baker
And here’s how Ghana made it 2-0 with Mohammed Kudus’s header. It was all about the ball in from Jordan Ayew again though.
WATCH: Salisu makes it 1-0 to Ghana
13:59 , Luke Baker
Ghana got the opening goal on 24 minutes but there was a bit of controversy about the goal. Jordan Ayew’s free-kick delivery was pinpoint and after a bit of pinball, Mohammed Salisu lashed home.
The ball hit Andre Ayew’s arm before Salisu lashed in, however. Last season the goal would’ve been ruled out but this year, accidental handball only causes a goal to be ruled out if it’s by the goalscorer, not anyone in the build-up.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea – HALF-TIME!
13:51 , Luke Baker
HALF-TIME! A perfect first half for Ghana. The quality of crosses coming in from Jordan Ayew on the left has been sublime and led to both goals – Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus the scorers.
South Korea had a lot of possession (And corners) early on but faded as the half wore on. An uphill task for them in the second half.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
13:50 , Luke Baker
45+3 mins: South Korea haven’t had a shot on target in this first half. That’s damning, given the amount of corners etc that they’ve had. They’ll need a half-time reset if they’re to get back in this game.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
13:48 , Luke Baker
45 mins: South Korea are pushing on but not creating anything clear-cut. A cross from the right is overhit and Jung Woo-young then takes a speculative shot from 25 yards that flies well over. Son looks disgusted that he wasn’t passed the ball there by Jung and, to be fair, he was in a better position.
5 minutes of added time at the end of this half.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
13:46 , Luke Baker
43 mins: Son makes a solo counter-attack for South Korea down the left. He’s scored in similar fashion for Spurs before but this time he can only win a throw-in as he’s shepherded wide by the defence.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea
13:42 , Luke Baker
39 mins: Nice interplay by South Korea around the edge of the Ghana box but there’s no killer ball at the moment. Kim Jin-su then puts a cross in but it’s headed away comfortably.
Ghana will be delighted if they can get to half-time 2-0 ahead.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 2-0 South Korea (GOAL! Kudus 34’)
13:34 , Luke Baker
And Kudus makes it two! It’s been coming, to be fair.
Another superb delivery in from the left flank by Jordan Ayew as he curls a dangerous ball into the perfect area and all Kudus has to do is caress the ball goalwards with his head and the net bulges. Stunning delivery, nicely finished.
Ghana in complete control here.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 1-0 South Korea
13:34 , Luke Baker
33 mins: Korea were the better side before the goal against the run of play but since going ahead, Ghana have controlled the game.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 1-0 South Korea
13:32 , Luke Baker
32 mins: Good work by Inaki Williams to get into the box but he holds on to the ball too long and goes down to try and win a penalty but nothing doing. Jordan Ayew looks frustrated that Williams didn’t square the ball to him
World Cup 2022: Ghana 1-0 South Korea
13:29 , Luke Baker
28 mins: A yellow card for Korea now as Jung Woo-young drags down Mohammed Kudus. the free-kick is decent but defended well.
A goal against the run of play but Ghana continuing the theme of African teams showing well at this World Cup.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 1-0 South Korea ( GOAL! Salisu ‘24)
13:24 , Luke Baker
Fair to say that’s against the run of play but Ghana lead! Nicely-worked free-kick from the left touchline as Jordan Ayew whips it right into the danger area.
It bounces off a couple of Ghana heads and appears to hit Andrew Ayew’s arm before Salisu lashes in from close-range. The goal is awarded but VAR will take a look at this… AND IT STANDS! WOW!
It was clearly accidental handball but did lead directly to the goal. VAR decides not to rule it out though.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:23 , Luke Baker
21 mins: Daniel Amartey the first man into the referee’s book as he gets yellow-carded for catching Cho Gue-sung with a flailing arm. The Leicester man looks apoplectic that he’s been booked and while Cho did make a lot of it, Amartey brought it on himself somewhat.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:19 , Luke Baker
18 mins: The be-masked Son Heung-min whips it in, out for another corner. The deliveries haven’t been great and the next is easily cleared by Ghana. Son then goes for a spectacular overhead kick from the ball back in but misses completely. Superb!
In more serious matters, Ghana really need to have a spell of possession here.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:16 , Luke Baker
16 mins: There were five South Korea corners in the first 11 minutes although they failed to take advantage of any of them. Ghana are starting to get a foothold but the Asian side come forward again and win another corner – will it be lucky number six?
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:12 , Luke Baker
10 mins: Another corner for South Korea but defended well by Ghana. The Asian side have had the better of the early going.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:11 , Luke Baker
8 mins: The Ghana fans always bring colour and vibrancy to a World Cup. they’re lively, evena s their side concede a corner when Jordan Ayew tracks back well and tackles.
The ball fall to Jung Woo-young outside the box and his shot is deflected wide for another corner. It’s in the mixer but Ghana scramble clear.
World Cup 2022: Ghana 0-0 South Korea
13:04 , Luke Baker
3 mins: A couple of physical tackles by the Koreans in the early stages, letting Jordan Ayew and co know that they’re there.
KICK-OFF! Ghana vs South Korea
13:01 , Luke Baker
And we’re underway in Qatar. Who will get an all-important win today?
Ghana vs South Korea
12:56 , Luke Baker
The teams are heading out on to the pitch and we’ll be underway shortly. This should be a good one.
Ghana vs South Korea team news
12:49 , Luke Baker
South Korea’s key defender Kim Min-jae passed a late fitness and was included in his country’s line-up for their World Cup Group H clash against Ghana at the Education City Stadium.
The Napoli centre-back had been doubtful due to a calf injury and coach Paulo Bento said he would check Kim’s status at the last minute before making the call on his availability.
Bento made three changes to his side and Ghana did the same as they reshuffled their defence and brought in Jordan Ayew upfront in a more attacking 4-3-3 line-up after fielding three central defenders against Portugal last week.
Tariq Lamptey and Gideon Mensah start in a new full-back pairing and central defender Alexander Djiku was dropped.
South Korea XI: Kim S-g, Kim M-h, Kim M-j, Kim Y-g, Kim J-s, Jung, Kwon, Jeong, Hwang, Son, Cho
Ghana XI: Ati-Zigi, Lamptey, Amartey, Salisu, Mensah, Partey, Abdul Samed, Kudus, A Ayew, Williams, J Ayew
South Korea vs Ghana
12:46 , Luke Baker
Right, our attention now turns to South Korea vs Ghana in Group H. Both teams showed plenty of positive signs in their opening games – South Korea playing out a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Uruguay, while Ghana were unlucky to slip to a 3-2 defeat against Portugal.
This game will be decisive for both their hopes of reaching the last 16.
Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar in shock after audacious scoop goal against Serbia is given
12:43 , Luke Baker
Cameroon star Vincent Aboubakar scored one of the goals of the 2022 World Cup so far after his audacious scoop was given following a VAR check in a thrilling clash against Serbia.
With his team trailing 3-1 with half-an-hour to go, Aboubakar sat down Serbia defender Nemanja Maksimovic before terrifically lobbing keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
Yet the striker seemed nonplussed when the offside flag was lifted with Aboubakar himself seemingly accepting that he timed his run a tad early.
But following a quick VAR review, using the semi-automated offside technology, he was shown to be onside and the goal was given.
Cameroon’s Aboubakar in shock after audacious scoop goal against Serbia is given
Cameroon score two quick-fire goals to claim point in thriller against Serbia
12:25 , Luke Baker
Serbia have got used to doing things the hard way on their road to Qatar, writes Ben Burrows in Doha. The Eagles came from behind three times on their journey to this World Cup, including a last-gasp, finals-sealing winner against Portugal in Lisbon back in November of last year. Now, after a rollercoaster 3-3 draw with Cameroon, they will have to go to the well again if they are to progress from Group G.
Fancied by many as a dark horse at this tournament, a two-goal second-half lead thrown away here at the Al Janoub Stadium could cost them dear as they look to make it to the last-16 for the first time this century, goals from Strahinja Pavlovic, Sergej Milinkovic Savic and Aleksandar Mitrovic cancelled out by a furious Cameroonian comeback.
The Indomitable Lions have life themselves now too, even with Brazil looming, another brilliant display by an African nation in Doha, following so closely in the footsteps of Morocco a day ago, sealing a first World Cup point since 2002.
Cameroon score two quick-fire goals to claim point in thriller against Serbia
Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
12:20 , Luke Baker
What a match we were treated to there. Jean-Charles Castelleto gave Cameroon the ead before goals in first-half injury-time from Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic put Serbia on top.
Alaeksandar Mitrovic’s finish at the end of a neat team move extended that advantage and appeared to give the Europeans victory but Vincent Aboubakar’s incredible scooped finish and his assist to give Eric Choupo-Moting a tap-in snatched an unlikely point for the African side. What a rollercoaster!
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WATCH: Audacious Aboubakar scoop brings Cameroon back into it
12:09 , Luke Baker
This is well worth watching again – a standout moment in an unbelievable match. An incredible, audacious chip by Aboubakar narrowed Cameroon’s deficit to 3-2 before their equaliser through Eric Choupo-Moting. He nonchalantly scooped the ball home for one of the goals of the tournament.
He appeared to think he was offside, which may have explained the nonchalance, and the flag did indeed go up but VAR ruled him onside, allowing the goal to stand.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia – FULL-TIME!
12:02 , Luke Baker
FULL-TIME! That’s it! There’s no late winner for either side and they settle for a draw in an all-time World Cup classic. In the context of the group, the result doesn’t do a huge amount for either team but what a game!
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
12:01 , Luke Baker
90+6 mins: Bassogog caught in his own half. One final free-kick for Cameroon to pump long. Less than a minute to go.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
12:00 , Luke Baker
90+5 mins: Last-gasp chance for Cameroon with a free-kick. Nkoudou takes aim and hammers it goalwards but it’s easy for Milinkovic-Savic to save. Is that the last chance?
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia – SAVE!
11:59 , Luke Baker
90+1 mins: Cameroon have scored three goals in a World Cup for the first time but they’ll need four to win today…
Great save by Epassy to keep it at 3-3! Mitrovic slipped in one on one and the Cameroon keeper makes himself big to repel the shot. Huge chance for Mitrovic! Replays show he was marginally offside though if it had gone in.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:55 , Luke Baker
90 mins: Into injury-time and there will be 6 minutes. Can either side find a winner – certainly neither are settling for a draw at this point.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia – CHANCE!
11:53 , Luke Baker
89 mins: Was that the moment?! Mitrovic finds space in the box, about 16 yards out and tries to curl home a first-time shot but it flies wide. Head in the hands stuff for the Fulham striker.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:52 , Luke Baker
87 mins: Tired legs on both sides now. Kostic nips past Bassogo though, into the box from the left but can’t decide whether to cross or shoot, eventually doing neither as the ball floats harmlessly into the grateful Epassy’s arms.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:50 , Luke Baker
85 mins: A quick free-kick sends Kostic away down the left and he squares the ball into a good area on the edge of the box but no Serbian player is there and Cameroon hack away.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:49 , Luke Baker
84 mins: Mitrovic gives the ball away and Cameroon break quickly. BAssogog with quick feet on the right to beat a man but Serbia manage to scramble the ball away. It does feel like there’s a winner in this game – and it could go either way.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:48 , Luke Baker
81 mins: Into the final 10 minutes and Cameroon have a corner but it comes to nothing. They’ve made a couple more subs as Oum Gouet and Nkoudou are on.
Triple sub for Serbia as well, as Milos Veljkovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savi and Andrija Zivkovic come off with Nemanja Radonjic, Srdjan Babic and Marko Grujic coming on.
WATCH: Audacious Aboubakar scoop brings Cameroon back into it
11:46 , Luke Baker
This is well worth a watch. An incredible, audacious chip by Aboubakar narrowed Cameroon’s deficit to 3-2 before their equaliser. He nonchalantly scooped the ball home for one of the goals of the tournament.
He appeared to think he was offside, which may have explained the nonchalance, and the flag did indeed go up but VAR ruled him onside.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia – SAVE!
11:43 , Luke Baker
76 mins: Now Serbia have a glorious opportunity to take the lead again as Mitrovic lashes one goalwards form inside the box but Epassy is equal to it and saves well.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:40 , Luke Baker
74 mins: Champagne stuff now! Zambo Anguissa backheels for Bassogog on the right, although it ultimately comes to nothing.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:38 , Luke Baker
73 mins: A couple of Cameroon subs amid all that madness. Karl Toko-Ekambi and Pierre Kunde have been replaced by Christian Bassogog and Gael Ondoua.
Serbia float a free-kick into the box but it’s a shade too long for Mitrovic and Epassy gratefully claims it.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia
11:35 , Luke Baker
70 mins: Phew! Have you caught your breath yet? What a final 20 minutes we’re in store for here. The game of the World Cup so far. An emotional rollercoaster
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 3-3 Serbia – (GOAL! Choupo-Moting ‘66)
11:32 , Luke Baker
UBELIEVABLE! Cameroon are level, out of nowhere!
This is an incredible game and now Cameroon are level at 3-3. It’s another ball over the top, again Aboubakar is just onside, he draws the goalkeeper and squares to Choupo-Moting for the simple finish. Superb stuff! What a game!
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 2-3 Serbia – (GOAL! Aboubakar ‘63)
11:29 , Luke Baker
Properly end-to-end stuff now! Milinkovic-Savic tries a lob at one end but it doesn’t come off. However, Cameroon go down the other end and do find a breakthrough.
A nice ball over the top releases Aboubakar and he audaciously lobs Milinkovic-Savic as the ball satisfyingly bounces into the net! The offside flag goes up and Aboubakar looked like he thought he was off as he nonchalantly chipped the ball home.
But VAR quickly check and deem that he was onside! The goal stands. Remarkable!
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-3 Serbia
11:26 , Luke Baker
60 mins: Cameroon now really giving this a go. Aboubakar bursts forward and jinks inside two Serbia defenders to get into the box but can’t get past the third as Veljkovic desperately go to ground to block the shot.
The ball runs to Mbeumo who stands up a cross to the back post but it doesn’t quite fall for a Cameroon player. Good work from the African side though.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-3 Serbia
11:23 , Luke Baker
57 mins: Good response by Cameroon as Mbeumo whips a free-kick from wide on the right into the perfect area. It’s millimetres too high for Chuopo-Moting and runs harmlessly through. Good delivery though and they’ll need more of that.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-3 Serbia
11:22 , Luke Baker
55 mins: A couple of subs – one for each side. Pavlovic is down injured and Serbia’s opening goalscorer is subbed for Stefan Mitrovic – a defensive change they’ve been forced into.
Aboubakar on for Cameroon as they look for a way back into the match
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-3 Serbia (GOAL! Mitrovic ‘53)
11:17 , Luke Baker
Lovely goal and Serbia double their lead!
It’s so well worked by Serbia’s attacking threats. Cameroon lose the ball on halfway Mitrovic slides in Tadic on the right, he squares it to Kostic, helped on to Milinkovic-Savic who cleverly cuts inside his man and plays the ball across to Mitrovic for the simple finish.
Great vision by Milinkovic-Savic to not just shoot himself. Superb team goal.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
11:17 , Luke Baker
52 mins: This Serbia side are incredibly disciplined – a tidy outfit. They look the more dangerous early in this second half but Cameroon still have the outlet ball to potentially trouble them.
Mbeumo gives chase down the left channel to one such ball but Tolo just about gets there first with a crunching tackle/clearance into the stands.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
11:14 , Luke Baker
49 mins: Oooh, nearly for Serbia! Gorgeous reverse pass through from Tadic that Kostic almost gets on the end of but Epassy quick off his line to narrowly beat the Serbian wing-back to the ball. Kostic flagged for being marginally offside anyway as it happens
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
11:11 , Luke Baker
Kick-off: Back underway for the second half. That was a pretty entertaining first half for a game that, on paper, you might not expect it from. More of the same please!
Battle of the subs
11:10 , Luke Baker
A funny/interesting sidenote – this game has turned into a battle of the subs but not in the sense you might expect.
The entire Cameroon bench ran on to the pitch to celebrate the goal that gave them the lead. Think of scenes you might see after a last-minute winner in a major cup final…
Of course, the Serbia subs responded in kind when the equalised! Madness prevails – love it!
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana dropped from World Cup squad after ‘training ground argument’
11:08 , Luke Baker
And here’s why back-up goalkeeper Davis Epassy is playing today in the first place:
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana has been dropped from the World Cup squad following a training ground argument with manager Rigobert Song, according to reports.
Onana played in Cameroon’s first match of the tournament, a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland, but was named as “absent” on the official teamsheet for Monday’s crucial meeting with Serbia, with back-up keeper Devis Epassy taking up the gloves.
Spanish outlet Marca claims manager Song took issue with Onana’s high-risk style playing out from the back with his feet, which was the catalyst for a heated argument between the pair.
Cameroon’s Andre Onana dropped from World Cup squad after ‘training argument’
WATCH: Milinkovic-Savic puts Serbia ahead
11:06 , Luke Baker
The turnaround was complete shortly after the equaliser as Milinkovic-Savic took advantage of average defending to fire home Goalkeeper Epassy has to do better here and push this one wide/away but Serbia won’t mind.
WATCH: Pavlovic heads home Serbia equaliser
11:03 , Luke Baker
Here’s Serbia’s equaliser – beauty in the simplicity and it’s a superb header by Pavlovic. Frustrating for Cameroon but things were about to get even more so.
WATCH: Castelletto gives Cameroon the lead
11:00 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Jean-Charles Castelletto gave Cameroon the lead in this game. Look at those celebrations!
HALF-TIME! Cameroon 1-2 Serbia
10:55 , Luke Baker
Phew! What a breathless end to that first half.
Jean-Charles Castelletto’s goal had given Cameroon the lead but two goals in added time from Serbia have turned this match on its head!
Strahinja Pavlovic’s header and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s finish from just outside the box have them 2-1 up.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia – CHANCE!
10:52 , Luke Baker
45+5 mins: That could so easily have been three!
Serbia pour forward once again and Mitrovic hits one but it’s deflected just wide. Cameroon have fallen apart here.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-2 Serbia (GOAL! Milinkovic-Savic ‘45+3)
10:49 , Luke Baker
What a turnaround! Serbia lead before the break.
Cameroon commit too many men forward and are exposed at the back. Some half-clearances don’t get the job done, Milinkovic-Savic picks up the ball just outside the box and strikes low for goal.
It’s a decent hit but Epassy should probably keep it out, the ball bouncing up over his hand and into the net on the right side of the goal, although not right in the corner. Would Andre Onana have saved that one? You have to say, he probably would have…
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-1 Serbia (GOAL! Pavlovic ‘45+1)
10:47 , Luke Baker
And Serbia are level from the free-kick! Too easy really.
A nice ball in by Tadic from the free-kick about 40 yards out and reasonably central. He clips it into the only area he can target, the ball just goes over Chuopo-Moting’s head and Pavlovic gets in front of Zambo Anguissa, rising brilliantly to power a header past Epassy.
Simple stuff but a bullet header.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia
10:46 , Luke Baker
45 mins: Six minutes added on – very apropos for this World Cup. Free-kick in a dangerous position for Serbia here.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia – SAVE!
10:45 , Luke Baker
43 mins: A chance wasted by Cameroon. Their high press pays dividends as Kunde pinches the ball from a dallying Milenkovic, races into the box and fires a shot at goal that is well saved by the foot of Milinkovic-Savic.
The ball rebounds to Kunde but there’s a lack of composure as his shot flies into the stands. He should’ve crossed that second opportunity. First time in a while Cameroon have created something though.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia
10:42 , Luke Baker
41 mins: Serbia have looked like the better side for the last five minutes and are pressing for an equaliser. More good work around the edge of the area leads to nothing though. Kostic’s ball in is then well cleared by Nkoulou.
Can Serbia get back into this before half-time?
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia
10:40 , Luke Baker
38 mins: A bit overplayed by Serbia as it’s decent work down the right by Zivkovic before playing the ball into Tadic in the box, who tries to play one more pass but Cameroon scramble bodies to block.
Kostic then fires over from a good position in the area shortly after but the flag is up for offside anyway.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia
10:37 , Luke Baker
35 mins: Fai back on and immediately back involved. He puts waaaaay too much on a cross from the right. Makes a good show of hobbling away on the ankle just to let everyone know it was his injury to blame for the low quality of cross…
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia
10:36 , Luke Baker
33 mins: Serbia respond to going a goal behind with a couple of balls into the box but they are well dealt with.
At the other end, Mbeumo gets half a yard of space and slips the ball through for an onrushing Fai but S Milinkovic-Savic just about gets there first with the slide to put the ball out for the corner. Fai looks like he’s injured his ankle in the challenge. He’s gingerly jogging at the side of the pitch.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 1-0 Serbia – (GOAL! Castelletto ‘29)
10:29 , Luke Baker
Cameroon break the deadlock!
They win a corner and it’s a great ball in by Kunde, Nkoulou flicks it on and Castelletto is lurking at the back posts to turn the ball home. The celebrations are incredible as all the subs run to mob Castelletto as well as the players on the pitch.
Cameroon lead! That will help their average of 0.8 goals per game at the World Cup!
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:28 , Luke Baker
28 mins: Cameroon centre-back Castelletto goes down during the build-up of a Serbia attack with Mitrovic swinging his arm int he vicinity but nothing doing from the ref. The attack peters out anyway.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:26 , Luke Baker
24 mins: Yellow card for Nkoulou. Half silly, half unlucky. Tadic is going down a blind alley chasing a ball into the channel, Nkoulou is shepherding it out and thrusts his arm into the face of Tadic. A bit needless although Tadic makes a huge deal of it by going down clutching his face, the ref buys it and it’s a booking.
The free-kick from a dangerous position by the right byline is too long and out for a throw.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:24 , Luke Baker
21 mins: That’s nice from Serbia. Ball worked down the right and it’s a low cross into the box from Zivkovic towards Mitrovic but scrambled out for a corner. That’s then well defended by Cameroon.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:22 , Luke Baker
18 mins: And that’s EVEN better from Cameroon. Kunde gets some room on the right and lashes a shot goalwards that Milinkovic-Savic pushes wide of the post. A decent strike.
The corner is only half-cleared by Serbia but Kunde’s strike from the edge of the box is blocked and the ball cleared.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:20 , Luke Baker
17 mins: Better from Cameroon. A great ball into the box by Mbeumo, the perfect area but no-one attacks it and it bounces through for a goal-kick.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia – MISS!
10:19 , Luke Baker
16 mins: What a chance for Mitrovic! You’d expect him to score.
Form an attacking throw-in, Serbia get the ball to the by-line, it looks like it goes out of play before being hooked into the box but no whistle from the ref, Cameroon make a hash of the clearance as one defender clears it into the face of another, it falls to Mitrovic about eight yeards out but he blasts wide! Poor composure.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:17 , Luke Baker
15 mins: Cameroon have calmed things down after that moment when Mitrovic hit the post.
They have a moment of concern when Hongla goes down but he’s up and able to continue. Nkoulou then blasts a shot well over form the edge of the area.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia – POST!
10:12 , Luke Baker
10 mins: So close for Mitrovic! The width of the post away from putting Serbia into the lead.
It’s great work by the Fulham man as he exchanges a one-two on the right side of the area, beautifully cuts back inside the sliding Nkoulou and curls a shot with his weaker left foot beyond Epassy but it strikes the post and bounces clear. Lovely play.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:11 , Luke Baker
9 mins: Serbia’s tactic today is clearly to get balls into the box from wide areas – not a bad one when you have Mitrovic up top, in all fairness.
Zivkovic curls a tasty cross into a good area but it’s well defended by Cameroon. Their centre-backs Nkoulou and Castelletto will have to be on point today
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:07 , Luke Baker
6 mins: Decent move down the left by Cameroon gets the crowd interested and the ball is played to Anguissa on the edge of the box but he hesitates and can’t get a shot away. Serbia immediately counter and stretch their opponents.
Then a first CHANCE for Mitrovic. Good ball whipped in by Maksimovic and the FUlham striker rises high but can’t direct his header on target as it sails harmlessly over. It was probably a little high for him.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:05 , Luke Baker
4 mins: Cameroon having more of the ball in the early stages but it’s mostly in their own half and a sloppy pass by Tolo out of play gives Serbia possession.
They do little with it though and the African side clear their lines. Cagey opening so far.
World Cup 2022: Cameroon 0-0 Serbia
10:03 , Luke Baker
Kick-off: And we’re underway in this crucial match.
Aleksandar Mitrovic goes down heavily early on after being challenged in the air and there’s some concern form Serbia players and fans as he stays down. After some treatment, he’s back up and fine to continue though.
Cameroon vs Serbia anthems
09:57 , Luke Baker
The anthems have been completed and we’re almost ready to go in Qatar. Both these sides desperately need a win here to reignite their qualification hopes after defeats on the opening day.
Anthem-wise, Cameroon’s is a jaunty number and sung with a reasonable amount of gusto by the players, while Serbia’s is slower and more dramatic but the players probably belted it out a bit more enthusiastically.
Andre Onana dropped after disagreement with coach
09:54 , Luke Baker
You may have noticed that normal Cameroon No 1 Andre Onana isn’t in the starting XI today, in fact he isn’t in the matchday squad at all.
We’re hearing that’s because he’s had a falling out with Cameroon coach Rigobert Song. Song has punished his goalkeeper for that disagreement by not even including him on the bench.
Devis Epassy, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Abha, will win just his sixth cap as he dons the goalkeeping gloves, making his first start at a World Cup.
Cameroon looking to avoid unwanted history
09:51 , Luke Baker
The Roger Milla-inspired side that graced Italia ‘90 are the first Cameroon team that many people think of but it has been a struggle for the African nation at the World Cup since. You want stats to demonstrate their woe? Oh, we’ve got stats to demonstrate their woe!
Cameroon have now lost their last eight matches at the World Cup (across the 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2022 tournaments). Defeat here today would see them equal the all-time record for most consecutive World Cup defeats (9) – set by Mexico between 1930 and 1958.
In their World Cup history, the African side are averaging just 0.8 goals per game (18 from 24 games), which is the lowest games per goal ratio of any nation (who have played at least 20 games) in the tournament’s history.
Dusan Tadic racking up the caps
09:46 , Luke Baker
Attacking midfielder Dusan Tadic is set to win his 93rd cap for Serbia today – that’s the third most for the country since they started playing as an independent nation in 2006.
Only Aleksandar Kolarov (94 caps) and Branislav Ivanovic (105) have more than the 34-year-old Ajax playmaker.
Last time out: Richarlison takes flight to give Brazil lift-off at World Cup with win over Serbia
09:36 , Luke Baker
Meanwhile, Serbia battled hard in their World Cup opener against Brazil but a pair of goals from Richarlison, including a scissor-kick that may already have wrapped up goal of the tournament, secured a 2-0 win for the five-time champions.
A show of what’s to come, and also a throwback. Brazil illustrated why they are favourites for this competition with a commanding victory, but inherent to that was how Richarlison offered a first truly magic World Cup moment from the Selecao in perhaps two decades, wrote Chief Football Writer Miguel Delaney.
His sensational goal, that was at once deft and fluid but also thunderous and definitive, was the sort of play that created the country’s football fame in the first place; that sparked the imagination… that made you want to watch them.
It was up there with Pele’s dummy, Josimar’s swerve and Ronaldo’s swivel. It was also the crowning moment for both this 2-0 win over Serbia and Richarlison’s fine individual performance, as the Tottenham Hotspur striker scored both goals.
Given the problematic nature of this World Cup, it is worth pointing out that Qatar now has the benefit of forever being associated with a moment that will be replayed for years; that will become part of the World Cup’s lore.
Richarlison takes flight to give Brazil lift-off at World Cup
Last time out: Breel Embolo delivers Switzerland perfect World Cup start to punish wasteful Cameroon
09:25 , Luke Baker
Cameroon started their World Cup campaign with a frustrating 1-0 loss to Switzerland as Breel Embolo got the only goal of the game after Cameroon had wasted a slew of chances in the first half.
The muted goal celebration is not an especially common sight in international football, but with an ever-more globalised world comes an ever-more globalised World Cup, and so too the conflicting emotions of Switzerland’s match winner Breel Embolo, wrote Mark Critchley.
Born in Yaounde before emigrating to France when he was five years old, Embolo did not celebrate the crisp, guided finish that helped overcome Cameroon in this tight Group G opener, instead putting his hands up in apology. A few of his teammates ran to celebrate the assist with Xherdan Shaqiri instead.
They understand, after all. Many of Murat Yakin’s squad are dual nationals, with the Balkan-origin contingent relishing a rematch of their fiery 2018 meeting with Serbia in the final round of group games. That could be crucial to their hopes of reaching the last-16, with Brazil now next up, but to take three points here was a promising start.
Cameroon can take positives, despite this eighth consecutive defeat equalling a World Cup record. Rigobert Song, the former Liverpool and West Ham defender, will note that the Indomitable Lions were the better side while the game was goalless, yet a repeat of 2010 and 2014’s group stage exits now looks more likely than any Italia ‘90-esque heroics.
Breel Embolo hands Switzerland perfect World Cup start to punish wasteful Cameroon
Cameroon vs Serbia odds
09:17 , Luke Baker
What are the bookie saying about this game today? Serbia are heavily favoured to get the better of Cameroon
Odds
Cameroon win: 9/2
Serbia win: 4/5
Draw: 14/5
Cameroon vs Serbia team news
09:07 , Luke Baker
So what are the key takeaways from those starting XIs?
For Serbia, Dusan Vlahovic will be on the bench for the second game in a row. The 22-year-old striker, who was battling a groin problem in the run-up to the tournament, came on in the second half of Serbia’s 2-0 defeat by Brazil.
However, wing-back Filip Kostic has been named in the starting side after missing the opening game with a muscle problem.
Cameroon coach Rigobert Song made two changes to the team who lost 1-0 to Switzerland, replacing keeper Andre Onana with Devis Epassy and midfielder Samuel Oum Gouet with Pierre Kunde.
Cameroon vs Serbia team news
08:59 , Luke Baker
The teams are out ahead of our first game of the day – Cameroon vs Serbia.
Cameroon XI: Epassy; Tolo, Nkoulou, Castelletto, Fai; Kunde, Hongla, Zambo Anguissa; Mbeumo, Choupo-Moting, Toko Ekambi
Serbia XI: V Milinkovic-Savic; Milenkovic, Pavlovic, Veljkovic; Zivkovic, Lukic, Maksimovic, Kostic; Tadic, S Milinkovic-Savic; Mitrovic
Is Cameroon vs Serbia on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup fixture online
08:50 , Luke Baker
Cameroon and Serbia go into today’s Group G match knowing that anything less than a victory could send them packing from the World Cup by the time Brazil and Switzerland play later in the day.
Serbia are bottom of the group after losing 2-0 to pre-tournament favourites Brazil while Cameroon’s 1-0 loss to Switzerland means the African side are still seeking their first victory in the World Cup since 2002.
The match arguably gives both Cameroon and Serbia their best chances of opening their account in Qatar.
But a loss for either team – combined with a draw between Brazil and Switzerland – would prematurely bring the curtains down on their campaign, with nothing to play for but pride in their final group game on 2 December.
Here is everything you need to know:
Is Cameroon vs Serbia on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website