FIFA World Cup, Cameroon hold Serbia 3-3: Key stats
What's the story
Cameroon came from behind to hold Serbia 3-3 in a Group G fixture of the FIFA World Cup. The Indomitable Lions were up 1-0 but were stunned by twin strikes from Serbia in the added time in the first half. Aleksandar Mitrovic slotted home from close range to garner a 3-1 lead for Serbia. Cameroon struck twice to keep their last 16 hopes alive.
Match
How did the match pan out?
Cameroon got the opener against the run of play when Jean-Charles Castelletto tapped in from close range. Serbia stung back with two vital blows through Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, taking the lead by half-time. Serbia converted their third after the break. Cameroon didn't panic and bounced back, with Vincent Aboubakar converting their second and then turning a provider for Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting's equalizer.
Aboubakar
Veteran Aboubakar slams these records
As per Squawka, Aboubakar has been directly involved in 11 major tournament goals in 2022. He has managed nine goals and two assists in nine matches. As per Opta, he has become the first substitute to both score and assist in a WC game for an African nation. The 30-year-old has raced to 34 goals in international football.
Mitrovic
Mitrovic registers history for Serbia
As per Opta, Mitrovic has scored seven goals in his last six games for Serbia across competitions. The Fulham striker has become the first player to score more than once at the WC for the nation. Only, Memphis Depay (21), Harry Kane (19), and Cristiano Ronaldo (16) have scored more international goals for European sides since the start of 2021 than Mitrovic (15).
Standings
A look at key stats and standings
Serbia commanded 59% ball possession, clocking 15 shots with five on target. Cameroon had a 41% possession but attempted 13 shots with eight on target. Serbia (82%) made far more accurate passes than Cameroon (72%). Meanwhile, Brazil (W1) and Switzerland (W1) are seated first and second in Group G standings, respectively. Cameroon (D1 L1) and Serbia (D1 L1) follow suit.
Cameroon
Interesting numbers for Cameroon
As per William Hill, Cameroon ended their eight-match losing streak at the WC, starting in 2002. Choupo-Moting now owns 12 goals in his last 12 games for club and country. Cameroon became the third African team to avoid defeat in a WC match having been two-plus goals behind, after South Africa (2-2 vs Paraguay in 2002) and Cote d'lvoire (3-2 vs Serbia in 2006).
Serbia
Team records for Serbia
As per Opta, Serbia have become the first nation ever to score twice in the first half added time in a World Cup match. Serbia registered their first-ever draw in a WC match (W2 L8). Notably, this was the first time they netted as many as three goals in a game in the WC.