Defeat leaves Brazil with lessons and positive points to take

Brazil ended the first round of the World Cup with a defeat against Cameroon – a first-ever defeat for the Selecao against any African side -- but there are good things to take into account.

As much as the defeat triggers an alert and ends the invincibility in the group stage that had been going on since 2002, the team presented offensive volume and repertoire to approach the goal. Gabriel Martinelli was the absolute highlight of the show.

Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy had a great game on goal, making at least four great saves, two of which came against Martinelli bids. In search for goal, Brazil allowed spaces that Cameroon used intelligently to put Ederson to work even before Vincent Aboubakar's winning goal.

Cameroon made it difficult for Brazil at the beginning of the match. Eder Militao and Fabinho missed passes that they don't usually miss, and Antony on the right was the escape valve with individual plays. From the 20th minute, Cameroon's rush diminished and Brazil became masters of the game using Martinelli's speed on the left and good combinations from Rodrygo and Gabriel Jesus on the inside.

Defensively, Cameroon based their game on top of Daniel Alves and created difficulties for the full-back and for Militao.

Gelson Bremer was the other big news on Friday. The Juventus defender showed the serenity of a veteran and got the better of practically every duel, attempting at anticipation and coverage.

The second half was more open, with frank exchanges between the two teams, and more spaces that Brazil continued to explore on the sides of the field. Martinelli continued as the best option, but at times the team lacked presence in the area. That was when Tite put Pedro on the field in place of Gabriel Jesus.

The replacement of Antony for Raphinha was important for the offensive sector to be more balanced, also with actions on the right. And the Brazilian goal seemed a matter of time with moves coming out on both sides. But the goal never came.

After so much attacking on the left, Cameroon stretched the ball at speed on the right where Brazil had Marquinhos improvised. The cross between the defenders found Aboubakar free to test and overcome Ederson.

The Selecao still managed to press in search of a draw, and Bruno Guimaraes had two good opportunities. But those didn't find the target and the match ended in Brazil's defeat.