FIFA World Cup 2022: Why Switzerland's Breel Embolo did not celebrate his goal against Cameroon?

The Swiss forward from Yaounde struck with a right-foot shot in the 48th minute

FPJ Web Desk Updated: Thursday, November 24, 2022, 06:03 PM IST

Breel Embolo's goal handed Switzerland to a 1-0 win over Cameroon at the FIFA World Cup 2022 on Thursday but the forward did not celebrate scoring his goal.

The Swiss forward from Yaounde struck with a right-foot shot in the 48th minute, standing all alone eight meters (yards) out in the middle of the goalmouth to take Xherdan Shaqiri's low pass.

Embolo then pursed his lips in a wry smile and held his arms out wide, before raising his hands in a gesture of apology as teammates rushed to him near the penalty spot.

He pointed toward Swiss fans behind the goal where he had scored then to Cameroon fans at the opposite corner of Al Janoub stadium.

Fans were left wondering why Embolo did not celebrate his goal.

The reason is, the 25-year-old forward left Cameroon with his family when he was five. They spent time in France before settling in Switzerland, the country he is now representing at a second World Cup.

Though an African-born player scored, teams from Africa are now scoreless through the four games they have played at this World Cup. All have played higher-ranked teams, and Morocco and Tunisia earned 0-0 draws, respectively against Croatia and Denmark.

Cameroon's streak of losses at World Cup finals tournaments extended to eight games dating back to 2002.

Brazil and Serbia are also in Group G and they meet later on Thursday.

Published on: Thursday, November 24, 2022, 06:03 PM IST

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