Fifa World Cup: Results and reaction from day fou
An apologetic Breel Embolo scored the winner against the country of his birth to hand Switzerland a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in their World Cup Group G clash at the Al Janoub Stadium on Thursday.
Embolo swept home a low Xherdan Shaqiri cross after 48 minutes and then stood still with a rueful frown on his face as his team mates celebrated around him. The 25-year-old was born in Yaounde but raised in Basel.
Cameroon were the better side in the opening half and might have had the lead as Karl Toko Ekambi, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Martin Hongla all missed good chances against a lacklustre Switzerland side that battled to get out of first gear.
But the Swiss were much improved in the second period and took the lead through Embolo’s well-worked goal. Ruben Vargas missed an excellent chance to score a second but was thwarted by goalkeeper Andre Onana as Cameroon ran out of steam.
Follow all the reaction with our live blog below, before attention turns to Uruguay vs South Korea in Group H
Portugal vs Ghana as Ronaldo starts
After Uruguay and South Korea’s goalless draw, we now head over to the other game in Group H between Portugal and Ghana.
A certain Cristiano Ronaldo is starting… Follow it here with our live blog!
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 15:25
Uruguay flatter to deceive in World Cup stalemate with South Korea
If this Uruguay 2.0 are to scale the heights of the heroes of old then they will have to find a performance far more worthy of them after opening their World Cup with a hugely disappointing goalless stalemate with South Korea.
Diego Alonso’s new La Celeste have tantalised many in the build-up to this tournament with their blend of wise old heads and virulent new blood combining to great effect over the last 12 months, but neither element could make the key contribution here as a resolute Korea more than earned a point to start their own journey in Qatar on a positive note.
Report by Ben ‘0-0 magnet’ Burrows at the Education City Stadium
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 15:09
Uruguay vs South Korea player ratings as Valverde impresses
Uruguay vs South Korea player ratings
Valverde – 8: Great run deep, touch and strike at goal. A rocket in the 90th minute that rattled the woodwork and a warrior out of possession, putting his body on the line.
Nunez – 6: Missed a chance lunging as ball came across goal. Brilliant industry to work back and counter and then surged clear in second half to set up a big chance.
Son – 7: Brilliant feet to sit Caceres down, was on the periphery of the game for long spells, but made a stunning long ball in behind to try catch Uruguay out after sitting in a low block. Almost found the bottom corner with a crisp strike that curled wide.
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 15:02
FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
That will be the story of the game, Uruguay going close but just not doing enough to earn the win. Both Godin and Valverde struck the woodwork but Uruguay were disappointing overall and did not create enough chances against a stubborn and organised South Korean team.
South Korea were probably the better team in the first half but could not take their chances. Son Heung-min was quiet, though, and they were very passive in the second half.
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 15:00
FULL TIME: Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
We have our fourth 0-0 of the World Cup – and for a match where we had so much hope!
But Valverde came this close to snatching the win at the end.
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:56
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+7 mins: Uruguay thought they were in but Guillermo Varela has been pulled back for a foul…
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:54
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+6 mins: And it’s straight into the arms of the goalkeeper…
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:53
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+5 mins: Corner for Uruguay…
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:52
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+3 mins: It’s wild from Hwang In-beom, who has been really good tonight, as the midfielder slashes a shot wide.
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:51
Uruguay 0-0 South Korea
90+1 mins: we’re into seven minutes of added time, and suddenly both teams have found some energy.
Jamie Braidwood24 November 2022 14:49