Brazil secured top spot in Group A with a 4-1 win over Cameroon in their World Cup clash on Monday.
Neymar scored either side of a Joel Matip effort to leave the host nation with a 2-1 lead at the interval.
Brazil's third came early in the second period through Fred, who headed a David Luiz cross into the back of the net from close range.
The Selecao were not finished, however, and added a fourth late on through Fernandinho.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Hello all! Group A draws to a close this evening as Cameroon face the hosts Brazil in what will be the African side's final fixture of this summer's World Cup. Cameroon have lost both of their group games at this particular tournament, but Brazil are currently on course to top the section after collecting four points from their first two matches. That said, the home supporters will want to see a marked improvement from their side this evening. A point would definitely see the host nation advance into the next round.
TEAM NEWS: Hulk returns to the Brazil XI this evening, but the host nation are otherwise unchanged, with Luiz Gustavo and Paulinho once more keeping their place in midfield. Fred, meanwhile, leads the attack once more. Cameroon are still without their skipper Samuel Eto'o, meaning that Vicent Aboubakar leads the line. There is also a start for Granada right-back Allan Nyom, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto dropping out. Full teams to follow.
TEAMS:
BRAZIL: Cesar; Alves, Silva, Luiz, Marcelo; Paulinho, Gustavo; Hulk, Neymar, Oscar; Fred
CAMEROON: Itandje; Nyom, Matip, N'Koulou, Bedimo; Enoh, M'Bia; N'Guemo, Choupo-Moting, Moukandjo; Aboubakar
As mentioned, Cameroon have lost both of their group games this summer. The African team opened with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Mexico, but were comfortably beaten 4-0 by Croatia last time out. Volker Finke's side have incredibly had 30 shots in this summer's World Cup, but just three of them have been on target, which is an indication of their troubles in Brazil.
Brazil, meanwhile, opened their Group A campaign with a controversial 3-1 win over Croatia. It was far from an inspiring performance, however, and the host nation then struggled to a goalless draw against Mexico in their next match. As it stands, Luiz Felipe Scolari's side sit top of the group on goal difference from Mexico, who face Croatia at the same time as this match.
In total, Cameroon and Brazil have met four times in their history. Brazil lead the record with three wins to one, but Cameroon won the last meeting between the two sides – a 1-0 win in the 2003 Confederations Cup, when a certain Samuel Eto'o was on the scoresheet.
That said, the winner from Eto'o in the 2003 clash was the only goal that Cameroon have scored in their four previous meetings with Brazil. The only World Cup fixture between the two teams, meanwhile, took place in the 1994 tournament, when the Selecao were 3-0 winners in San Francisco.
Incredibly, Brazil have not failed to top their World Cup group since the last tournament in South America – Argentina 1978. Should the Selecao top their section once more, they would face Chile in the next round, who finished second to Netherlands in Group A, with Louis van Gaal's side 2-0 winners over the South American side earlier this evening. What a match that would be.
Just to confirm - a win or draw for Brazil would see them qualify this evening. Scolari's side could also lose and still qualify if Mexico beat Croatia. However, Cameroon cannot make the next round of the competition.
How did Cameroon qualify for this summer's tournament? The African side were drawn alongside Libya, Congo and Togo in Group I of their qualification section. Volker Finke's side finished top of the group on 13 points having won four, drawn one and lost one of their six matches. It was far from straight-forward, however. They lost 2-0 to Togo on June 9, 2013, but FIFA awarded them a 3-0 win when Togo were charged with fielding a suspended player. As a result, Cameroon topped the group and were drawn against Tunisia in the playoffs. A goalless draw occurred in Rades, but Jean Makoun scored twice as Cameroon won the second leg 4-1.
Their manager Finke, however, is under increasing pressure following their disappointing showing in Brazil. The 66-year-old has been in charge of Cameroon since May 2013. The experienced manager spent 16 years at Freiburg from 1991, making him the longest-serving boss in German league history, but he has been criticised for a number of decisions during his time with Cameroon. This could indeed be his final match in charge.
Cameroon have qualified for the finals of the World Cup on seven occasions, which is more than any other African team. However, the team has only ever made it out of the group stage once. That occurred in 1990, when they became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, eventually losing to England in extra-time.
Brazil, meanwhile, enter this particular match having won 10 of their last 11 games, scoring 33 times in the process and conceding just three times. Their only defeat in their last 22 matches came against Switzerland last August. Since then, they have won 17 times, drawing five times in the process. What's more, the Selecao are unbeaten in their last 39 games in Brazil since a home defeat to South American rivals Paraguay in 2002.
Brazil's group stage record is also strong in World Cups, having won nine of their last 11 World Cup group games, remaining unbeaten in the process. In fact, the last time they lost a group match in this particular competition was way back in 1998, when they were surprisingly defeated 2-1 by European team Norway.
However, only six members of Brazil's 23-man squad at this summer's tournament have World Cup experience. It is an incredible statistic when running through the list of names, but it is a squad inexperienced at this particular level of football. As a country, however, Brazil are the World Cup team. They have won the most games (68) and scored the most goals (213) in this particular competition.
As mentioned, Brazil are five-time winners of the World Cup. Their first victory came in 1958, before they picked up the trophy for a second time four years later. The third time arrived in 1970, before winning a fourth in 1994. Their last success was in 2002, but it has been a fairly disappointing last couple of tournaments, with the Selecao eliminated at the quarter-final stage in both 2006 and 2010.
PREDICTION: Brazil have not been too impressive thus far, but I expect them to have far too much for Cameroon this evening. My score prediction is 3-0 Brazil, which would indeed see the host nation top the group. If that occurs, second position in Group A would go to either Mexico or Croatia.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of the first period. I have a feeling that the Brazilian national anthem is going to be emotional once more. The atmosphere is just electric.
Just a reminder that three points would see Brazil top the group, while they would also qualify with a draw. Cameroon, however, are out of the tournament. The national anthems have been completed in Brasilia.
You just get the feeling that Cameroon could be in trouble this evening, especially if they concede early. Brazil will want to put on a performance that is for certain. Right, the host nation get the action underway.
Fast start from Brazil as Hulk drives down the right before rounding Bedimo, but the Cameroon defender brings the powerful attacker to the ground. It has been a positive start from Scolari's side.
The resulting free kick is delivered by Neymar, but Luiz cannot make contact at the far post. Cameroon clear the danger, but the pressure comes straight back. Confident start from the host nation.
CHANCE! Incredible chance for Brazil to take the lead as Hulk drives into the Cameroon box before rolling it back to Paulinho, but his effort is blocked by two diving defenders. The goalkeeper was all at sea there. Brazil look seriously in the mood, while Cameroon look in deep trouble.
Cameroon have just managed to quell some of the pressure in the last couple of minutes with a period of possession. Aboubakar threatens for the African outfit after driving past Alves, but his cross is straight into the arms of Cesar. Still goalless, but it has been some six minutes to this Group A contest.
Brazil force their second corner of the match following bright work from Oscar, but Hulk delivers into the arms of the Cameroon stopper. The pressure continues from the Selecao as Hulk threads a pass into Fred, but the striker cannot turn away from Nyom. This could be a long evening for Cameroon in Brasilia.
Possession football from Brazil in the last couple of minutes, with Cameroon struggling to make their mark in forward positions. Once more Paulinho feeds a pass into Fred, but the striker loses control. Cameroon break down the other end with Aboubakar, but his effort is blocked by Marcelo. Much better from Cameroon.
Aboubakar continues to look the most likely for Cameroon after finding some space outside the box, but the forward cannot move away from the challenge of Silva. Whistles arrive from the crowd as Cameroon break once more, but Marcelo heads clear. Good period of the match for Cameroon in the last couple of minutes.
BOOKING! Enoh is booked for Cameroon following a late challenge on Marcelo.
Cameroon have indeed managed to ride out the early pressure from Brazil and are now in control of the match. Another half-chance for the African outfit as Aboubakar finds Choupo-Moting inside the Brazil box, but Luiz is across to clear the danger. The home supporters are not impressed with what they are seeing.
Another half-chance for Cameroon as Moukandjo delivers a dangerous ball into the Brazilian box, but Cesar manages to collect ahead of Aboubakar. Down the other end, Nyom clashes with Neymar off the pitch, but the referee is on hand to calm proceedings. Nyom appears to have escaped a card.
GOAL! Cameroon 0-1 Brazil (Neymar)
Brazil take the lead with 17 minutes on the clock as Neymar turns a low Gustavo cross into the back of the net from close range. Brilliant finish from the Barcelona attacker and the party has officially started.
It just had to be him didn't it? Neymar now has three goals at this summer's World Cup. Who would back against him adding to that total this evening? Cameroon really need a period with the ball.
CHANCE! Neymar comes close to scoring his second after meeting a high ball on the edge of the box, but his volley is straight at the Cameroon stopper, who makes a really smart save. What a strike!
CHANCE! Another wonderful chance for Brazil as Paulinho drives down the right before firing a low cross into the box, Fred makes contact, but Bedimo just does enough to clear. Cameroon are all over the place at the moment as Brazil continue to force the issue. A second could soon be on its way.
Aboubakar remains a threat for Cameroon, but the striker has been unable to get the best of Silva in the opening 25 minutes. Brazil are down the other end with Oscar moments later, but he cannot find Fred and the danger is cleared. The noise from the crowd, meanwhile, has just quietened in the last couple.
CROSSBAR! Wonderful chance for Cameroon as Matip meets a corner from the right, but his header crashes against the crossbar. Cameroon are far from out of this match.
GOAL! Cameroon 1-1 Brazil (Matip)
Matip finally has his goal as the German-born defender fires a low Mbia cross into the back of the net from close range. Poor defending from Brazil, but brilliant work from Cameroon. We are all square here!
Cameroon have been worth their goal. Brazil have had the majority of the ball, but the African side have had a strong threat on the counter. Cameroon again break with Enoh, but the midfielder loses possession before bringing Gustavo to the ground. Little over 15 minutes of this brilliant first period remaining.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, with Brazil shell-shocked by that equaliser from Matip. However, I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals. Cameroon once more break forward with Matip, but Mbia had moved into an offside position. Still all level at 1-1.
Cameroon force the issue with two corners in quick succession, but Marcelo manages to clear a dangerous situation following a powerful strike from Nyom. The second corner lands on the head of Choupo-Moting, but his effort is wide of the post. It has been poor from Brazil in the last 10 minutes.
GOAL! Cameroon 1-2 Brazil (Neymar)
Brazil are back in front here and guess who? Neymar once more. It is brilliant from the attacker as he darts inside two defenders before rolling his effort into the back of the net. Wonderful, just wonderful.
You just cannot give Neymar that type of room in the final third. Cameroon continue to threaten in forward areas, but they are a mess down the other end. Hulk attempts to make it three for the host nation, but his effort is pushed wide of the post by the Cameroon stopper. Little under 10 minutes of the half to play.
You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this Cameroon side as they continue to break forward. A deep cross from Nyom causes Alves a problem at the far post, but the Barcelona right-back manages to clear.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Hulk attempts to break into space for Brazil, but Mbia is across to fell the forward. Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and Brazil lead 2-1.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Brazil remain in control of the possession. As it stands, they would top the group ahead of Mexico, who are still level at 0-0 with Croatia.
Cameroon have the chance to threaten from a free kick as Luiz brings Enoh to the ground outside the box. It was a poor pass from Fred that left his side in trouble...
... Moukandjo delivers into the Brazil box, but Silva is on hand to clear the danger.
CHANCE! Brazil come close to scoring their third following a wonderful move inside the Cameroon box, but Hulk's final effort is deflected over the crossbar. Brilliant football.
HALF-TIME: Cameroon 1-2 Brazil
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Brazil leading Cameroon 2-1. Neymar opened the scoring for the host nation, but the African team found an equaliser through Matip. Brazil responded once more, however, with Neymar scoring his second of the match after 34 minutes.
STATISTICS: Brazil have dominated the possession with 61%, while they have had eight attempts - all of which have been on target. Cameroon, however, have also had their moments, with the African team registering five attempts on goal. I have a feeling that we have not seen the last of the goals.
BENCH WATCH: Eto'o is on the bench for Cameroon this evening, but it remains to be seen just how fit the experienced forward is. Finke also has the likes of Chedjou and Olinga in reserve. Brazil, meanwhile, have plenty of attacking talent on their bench in the shape of Bernard, Ramires and Willian.
Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. You just get the feeling that the next goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial. If Brazil score, it could be curtains. However, another Cameroon strike and it is very much game on. Cameroon get the second half underway.
SUB! One change for Brazil at the interval as Fernandinho replaces Paulinho.
Confident start to the second period from Brazil, with Luiz, Silva and Gustavo all enjoying touches inside the Cameroon half. Marcelo attempts to slide a pass towards Hulk, but Matip is on hand to clear the danger. Hulk manages to get behind the Cameroon defence moments later, but his cross is behind for a goal kick.
CHANCES! Wonderful chance for Brazil as Hulk drives into the Cameroon box before attempting to slot one into the bottom corner, but N'Koulou is across to make a wonderful challenge. Moments later, Fred has a powerful strike tipped just wide of the post. Strong start to the half from Brazil.
Another opportunity for Neymar as the Brazilian whips a free kick towards the far post, but Itandje is on hand to make the save. Neymar delivers another dangerous cross moments later, but Matip clears.
GOAL! Cameroon 1-3 Brazil (Fred)
Brazil have their third in the early stages of the second period as Fred heads a Luiz cross into the back of the net. Fred needed that, that is for certain. That should be Brazil into the next round.
In truth, it had been coming. Brazil have started this half like a house on fire and Cameroon simply cannot deal with the tempo. Oscar flicks a cross towards Hulk moments later, but Matip manages to clear.
Brazil look dangerous each time they break forward at the moment, with Cameroon really struggling in defensive areas. Again Oscar threatens with a through pass towards Hulk, but this time the forward cannot collect. Moukandjo is down the other end for Cameroon moments later, but he is penalised for a challenge on Silva.
Slight problem for Bedimo following a poor challenge from Fernandinho, but it does appear that the Cameroon defender will be fit to continue. Little over 30 minutes of football remaining and Brazil lead 3-1.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of minutes, but Brazil are in complete control of the match. Cameroon remain a threat on the break, but they are in serious trouble in defensive areas. As it stands, Brazil would finish top of Group A, while Mexico would qualify as runners-up.
Half-chance for Brazil on the counter as Hulk faces up to Matip, he spots Neymar inside the Cameroon box, but Matip does well to clear the danger. Little over 30 minutes of this Group A World Cup clash remaining.
SUB! Cameroon make their first change of the match as Salli replaces Moukandjo.
Slight drop in atmosphere inside the stadium, which has transmitted to the players on the field. In truth, not too much is happening at the moment as Brazil control the tempo of the match. The referee, meanwhile, continues to be called upon to deal with a number of late and untidy challenges in the middle of the park.
SUB! Brazil make their second change as Ramires replaces Hulk.
Neymar delights the home supporters with a wonderful piece of skill to find Fred, but the forward cannot return the favour. Cameroon break down the other end with Landry N'Guemo, but his effort is wide of the post.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last couple of moments, but Cameroon have started to see more of the ball in the final third. You just get the feeling that there are more goals in this match, especially with the numbers that Cameroon are committing in the final third. Little over 20 minutes remaining.
Just a reminder that Group A's other match between Mexico and Croatia is currently taking place and the score is still goalless. As it stands, Brazil would top the group, with Mexico finishing in second position.
Neymar attempts to force the issue for Brazil following a mazy run, but the Barcelona attacker just loses his footing at the vital moment and injures himself in the process. Every Brazilian holds their breath, but it does appear that the 22-year-old will be fit to continue. Still 3-1 Brazil after 72 minutes of action.
SUB! Third and final change for Brazil as Neymar is replaced by Willian.
SUB! Cameroon also make a change with Webo replacing Aboubakar.
Slightly untidy period of the match in the last couple of moments with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. Alves takes a painful one from Salli and stays on the ground.
Oscar has a half-chance for Brazil after breaking towards the Cameroon box, but the midfielder loses possession under pressure from Matip. Mexico, meanwhile, have taken a 2-0 lead against Croatia.
Possession football from Cameroon in the last few minutes, but they are struggling to make an impression in the final third. Brazil counter moments later with Alves, who switches the play to Marcelo, but his sweeping low cross is cleared out of touch. Little over 10 minutes of football remaining in this Group A affair.
Half-chance for Brazil as Fred finds some space in a wide position before curling a cross towards Ramires, but it is just out of the reach of Ramires, who had made a late run into the box. Still 3-1 Brazil.
BOOKING! Mbia is booked for Cameroon following a late challenge on Gustavo.
SUB! Third and final change for Cameroon as Makoun replaces Choupo Moting.
Alves lines up a long-range free kick for Brazil, but his effort deflects wide of the post. Mexico, meanwhile, have taken a 3-0 lead against Croatia. What a performance from Herrera's side in that match!
GOAL! Cameroon 1-4 Brazil (Fernandinho)
Brazil have their fourth of the match as Fernandinho finds the bottom corner following a brilliant lay-off from Oscar. That is top spot secured for the host nation.
Half-chance for Cameroon to threaten from a free kick, but N'Guemo fires his effort high and wide of the crossbar. Little over three minutes of normal time remaining and Brazil are cruising here.
Brazil are not finished here as they once more break forward with Oscar, but this time the Chelsea midfielder cannot find the run of Fred. Cameroon launch a counter, but Silva is across to challenge Webo.
The fourth official indicates that we will play an additional four minutes and we are indeed into the second of those. It has been comfortable for Brazil, but 4-1 is perhaps slightly harsh on Cameroon.
Cameroon are heading for their seventh straight defeat at the World Cup. Planning for the future must start for them, but Brazil will now focus their attention on a last-16 clash with Chile.
Half-chance for Brazil to make it 5-1 as Willian finds some space outside the Cameroon box, but he curls his effort straight into the arms of the Cameroon stopper.
FULL-TIME: Cameroon 1-4 Brazil
So there we have it. Brazil end their World Cup Group A campaign with a 4-1 win over Cameroon. The Selecao will face Chile in the next round, while Mexico have also qualified from the group with a 3-1 win over Croatia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!
So there we have it. Brazil end their World Cup Group A campaign with a 4-1 win over Cameroon. The Selecao will face Chile in the next round, while Mexico have also qualified from the group with a 3-1 win over Croatia. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Until next time!