ISTANBUL

Breel Embolo's second-half goal led Switzerland to a narrow win over Cameroon in the World Cup Group G opener on Thursday.

Neither national team was able to break the deadlock in the first half at Qatar’s Al Janoub Stadium.

But Cameroonian-born forward Embolo scored the winning goal with a close-range finish, assisted by Xherdan Shaqiri in the 48th minute.

In another Group G clash, Brazil will face Serbia at Lusail Stadium later Thursday at 1900GMT.

The 29-day football event kicked off on Sunday and will conclude with the final at the 80,000-seat Lusail Iconic Stadium on Dec. 18.