Matchday 5 of the 2022 FIFA World Cup was a combative one, with every game hotly contested with each of the opening three games decided by a single goal.
Match 13
Switzerland v Cameroon
In one of the cagier first matches in what’s been a wild opening round of matches, Switzerland triumphed over Cameroon to ensure they’ll sit at least second in Group G.
Murat Yakin’s men looked the more dangerous outfit from the start and had the better of the chances throughout a scoreless first half.
They carried their momentum into the second half, a long ball from the left to right wing finding star winger Xherdan Shaqiri who fired a low cross into striker Breel Embolo who made no mistake and the Swiss had the goal they needed.
Born in Cameroon, Embolo chose not to celebrate given the circumstances. Switzerland’s defence remained solid against their African opponents to secure the win and 3 points.
Switzerland will face Brazil next up on November 29 while Cameroon face Serbia on November 28.
Match 14
Uruguay v Korea Republic
Uruguay and Korea Republic have opened their respective FIFA World Cup campaigns with a point apiece after playing out a 0-0 draw on Friday (AEDT).
La Celeste hit the woodwork on two occasions at Education City Stadium, with Federico Valverde’s rasping strike cannoning off the upright at the death.
That was as close as the South Americans got in the end, though they will count themselves fortunate Ui-Jo Hwang could not keep his close-range effort on target before half-time.
This draw was the fourth goalless affair seen across 14 matches in Qatar – a stark contrast to the one witnessed over 64 fixtures in Russia 2018.
Match 15
Portugal v Ghana
It was a late explosion of action in the tie between Ghana and Portugal, with five goals coming in the final half-hour of play.
Cristiano Ronaldo made history by becoming the first player to score in five World Cup campaigns as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot after winning it with a tight challenge inside the box.
Ghana's Andre Ayew equalised with a tap-in from an incisive team move in the 73rd minute, but Portugal responded on the counter with 78th-minute and 80th-minute strikes from João Felix and Rafael Leao to take Portugal out to a two-goal buffer.
Osman Bukari made things interesting but despite a late scare with Iñaki Williams stealing the ball off Portuguese goalkeeper Diogo Costa, Fernando Santos' side were able to ride out the storm.
Match 16
Brazil v Serbia
Brazil have opened their 2022 FIFA World Cup account in style with a convincing 2-0 victory over Serbia in the final group game of the tournament's opening matchday.
A stubborn Serbian defence barely gave Seleção a look in during the opening half, with their tight set-up only allowing Brazil three opportunities on goal.
However, the pace and creative flair of a star-studded Brazil outfit kept on pushing, and Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison eventually opened the scoring with a solid strike at the hour-mark mere minutes after Alex Sandro struck the post with a long-range effort.
The 25-year-old bagged a second on his World Cup debut with an early contender for goal of the tournament after flicking the ball and striking overhead past a helpless Serbian goalkeeper.
Brazil nearly had a third in the dying minutes when Manchester United's Casemiro also struck the woodwork, giving them plenty of confidence ahead of a mouth-watering clash with fellow matchday winners Switzerland in their second match, while Serbia will look to keep their tournament hopes alive in their next game against Cameroon.
