Breel Embolo's goal has lifted Switzerland to a 1-0 win over Cameroon at the World Cup and he kept his promise not to celebrate scoring against the country where he was born.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Swiss forward from Yaounde struck with a right-foot shot in the 48th minute of Thursday's match, standing all alone eight metres 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.
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.
"I am extremely proud. It is a dream. The first World Cup goal and then against Cameroon. I am extremely proud for myself and my family," Embolo told Swiss broadcasters SRF.
The Indomitable Lions, who eliminated Algeria in a playoff to qualify for the tournament, had outplayed the Swiss in the first 45 minutes with quick combinations, speed and power as their opponents remained toothless up front.
They carved out their first chance after 10 minutes with Bryan Mbeumo testing goalkeeper Yann Sommer before Karl Toko Ekambi sent his rebound over the bar.
The Swiss were in trouble again a little later with in-form forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting snatching the ball from an opponent to charge into the box only for Sommer to block his effort.
In search of their first win at a World Cup in 20 years, Cameroon were bolder, taking on their opponents in one-on-one situations, while the Swiss rarely managed to get into their opponents' box.
Switzerland, who reached the round of 16 in the two previous World Cups, struck at the start of the second half with Shaqiri cutting into the box and Embolo tapping in what proved to be the winner.
Cameroon coach Rigobert Song said he was proud of Embolo, describing him as his "little brother".
Song was seen speaking to Embolo after the game and said he offered his congratulations.
"We know each other, he is my little brother," Song told reporters. "We often speak to each other on the phone and I wanted to congratulate him.
"It is fair play to do so. Just because we are on different teams, it does not mean we are not still brothers."
Song added that despite his side's defeat, he was proud that Embolo had scored a goal at the World Cup.
"He did not celebrate his goal, but this is all part of football," Song said. "I'm happy for him and proud of him. He is with the Swiss national team and I would have liked him to be on my side, but that is the way of life.
"For us the most important thing is how did we play on the pitch, what could we have done better, rather than worrying who was scoring goals against us."
An almost identical move to the goal, just past the hour, almost produced a second Swiss goal but Ruben Vargas's shot was pushed wide by keeper Andre Onana who kept his team in the game.
Cameroon's streak of losses at World Cup finals tournaments extended to eight games dating back to 2002.
The Swiss next play Brazil on Monday with Cameroon taking on Serbia.
with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
