WORLD CUP GROUP G GUIDE: Neymar will be hoping to lead Brazil to glory 20 years after their last triumph, but Mitrovic's Serbia will eye another giant killing after their stunning qualifying campaign... and don't count out Switzerland or Cameroon just yet
- The 2022 World Cup in Qatar this winter is now just a matter of weeks away
- An intriguing Group G includes Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon
- Sportsmail takes a comprehensive deep dive into the intriguing group
- Play our World Cup predictor and guess who will lift the trophy on Dec 18 here
- Click here for all the latest World Cup 2022 news and updates
It has been 20 years since Brazil last lifted the World Cup, but as the tournament in Qatar approaches, the Selecao are well-placed to add a record-extending sixth star to their jersey.
Currently ranked as FIFA's top side in world football, Brazil - spearheaded by an in-form Neymar - are the outright favourites to lift the cup, but they will have to battle through in intriguing Group G beforehand.
Joining Brazil are an enticing trio of Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon, three teams who will have high hopes of claiming the runner-up spot at the very least.
![Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002 but will be looking to secure a sixth triumph in Qatar](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63909095-11357383-image-a-10_1666879537847.jpg)
Brazil last won the World Cup in 2002 but will be looking to secure a sixth triumph in Qatar
Neymar may be the star name in Group G, but Aleksandar Mitrovic has proven this season that he's more than capable of mixing it with the big guns in the Premier League. The 28-year-old Fulham star could truly elevate himself to the next level with an equally impressive display in Qatar.
And don't rule out Cameroon just yet. After seeing off competition from both Ivory Coast and Algeria in qualifying for the 32-team competition, they will have high hopes of spoiling the party once more.
The first-ever winter edition of the World Cup gets underway on November 20, with Switzerland and Cameroon getting Group G going on November 24.
Sportsmail takes you through Group G, including how each qualified for the tournament, their history in the competition and who to look out for.
Brazil
Who's the manager?
Tite - The 61-year-old has, at one point in his career, seemingly managed every club in Brazil and was given the reins to the national team back in 2016 after their dismal display at that year's Copa America.
A quarter-final defeat in Russia in 2018 was disappointing but the Brazilians bounced back and lifted the Copa America in the following year.
![Manager Tite is set for his last hurrah with Brazil with his contract to expire after the World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63909201-11357383-image-a-11_1666879583361.jpg)
Manager Tite is set for his last hurrah with Brazil with his contract to expire after the World Cup
Once again, Tite has an abundance of talent to manage but can he get everyone on the same page?
He'll certainly want to make a lasting impact, with his Brazil contract set to run out following the World Cup. It's now or never for the veteran coach.
Who's the star man?
Neymar - You can really take your pick from Alisson, Thiago Silva, Fabinho, Casemiro or Vinicius, with north London pair Richarlison and Gabrial Jesus also desperately competing for a spot.
But if Neymar turns up to Qatar and brings his club form with him, there's no doubt who Brazil's star man will be.
The Brazilian's reputation has taken a hit in recent years with PSG's latest European failure and a string of injury-blighted campaigns.
![Brazil have as usual a star-studded list of talent to choose from but Neymar is still the standout](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/16/56068695-11357383-Brazil_have_as_usual_a_star_studded_list_of_talent_to_choose_fro-a-5_1666883121228.jpg)
Brazil have as usual a star-studded list of talent to choose from but Neymar is still the standout
But now seemingly starting to click alongside Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, the 30-year-old has scored an impressive 13 goals - and added 10 assists - in 17 games for PSG this season.
And with an all-star cast beside him and defensive quality behind him, Neymar can undoubtedly fire Brazil to glory.
How did they qualify?
Brazil enjoyed a near-faultless campaign in South America qualifying. They racked up an impressive 45 points from 17 matches, claiming 14 wins, three draws, 40 goals and conceding just five.
Their 18th game - against Argentina - was suspended back in September when health officials ran onto the pitch to stop Argentina's England-based players from playing, saying they had breached the country's COVID-19 quarantine rules.
![Health authorities had stormed the pitch in Brazil-Argentina to detain four top-flight players](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2021/09/06/11/47540485-9961787-Health_authorities_stormed_the_pitch_in_Brazil_Argentina_to_deta-a-7_1630922746883.jpg)
Health authorities stormed the pitch during the Brazil-Argentina World Cup qualifier to detain four Premier League players thought to have dodged quarantine rules
The fixture had initially been rescheduled for later in the month, but those plans were scrapped, with both sides safely through already.
Chance of winning the trophy - 5/5
Serbia
Who's the manager?
Dragan Stojkovic - Stojkovic was an instrumental player in helping Yugoslavia reach the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals and the Euro 2000 last eight. And he was the prime candidate to take over after Serbia failed to reach Euro 2020 under Ljubisa Tumbakovic.
He was a fringe player in the Marseille side that won the 1993 European Cup, having also featured in their penalty shootout defeat in the 1991 final by his former club Red Star Belgrade.
He won two Yugoslav league titles with Red Star as a player and steered Nagoya Grampus Eight to the Japanese league title as coach in 2010, having also played for them between 1994-2001.
Serbia have competed in three of the last four World Cups, failing to reach the knockout stages in each. Stojkovic will be desperate for that to change come early December.
Who's the star man?
Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandar Mitrovic - Yes, it's a bit of a cop out picking two players, but the pair will both play pivotal roles in Qatar.
Starting with Vlahovic, his rise to stardom - from somebody nobody knew much about to one of the best finishers in European football - has been sensational.
Still only 22 years old, he signed for Juventus for £67m in January.
![Mitrovic has brought his stunning Championship form to the Premier League this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63909739-11357383-image-m-17_1666880665873.jpg)
![Still only 22 years old, Vlahovic signed for Juventus for £67m in January.](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63909735-11357383-image-a-18_1666880668694.jpg)
Dusan Vlahovic (R) and Aleksandar Mitrovic (L) will be key for Serbia at this winter's World Cup
He has so far scored 17 goals in 36 games for Juventus, including six in 10 in the Serie A this season.
Meanwhile, Mitrovic has well and truly proved this season that the hype is real. After a stunning 43 goals in 44 Championship games last season, the 28-year-old has brought his fine form to the Premier League.
With nine goals in 11 games, only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland have outperformed the striker in England's top flight this season.
How did they qualify?
A stunning, unbeaten qualifying campaign saw Serbia overcome the might of Portugal to finish top of Group A with six wins from their eight matches.
![Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a last-gasp winner for Serbia against Portugal to seal their place](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/03/31/21/56069007-10671591-image-a-24_1648759918564.jpg)
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored a last-gasp winner for Serbia against Portugal to seal their place
Mitrovic's last-gasp heroics against Portugal sealed a memorable win and booked their place in Qatar but dramatic wins over the Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan also played their part.
Chance of winning the trophy - 2/5
Switzerland
Who's the manager?
Murat Yakin - Despite Switzerland's impressive run to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals, former manager Vladimir Petkovic made the bold move of stepping down after seven years to take over at Bordeaux.
A bold move indeed; he lasted just six months in Ligue 1.
![Murat Yakin replaced Vladimir Petkovic as manager after he left following Euro 2020](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63910679-11357383-image-a-19_1666882197272.jpg)
Murat Yakin replaced Vladimir Petkovic as manager after he left following Euro 2020
Nevertheless, in came Murat Yakin, filling the void of Petkovic, who also took Switzerland to the last-16 at the 2018 World Cup. Yakin played 49 times for Switzerland during his playing career.
Having managed the likes of Basel and Spartak Moscow, Yakin is experienced in his own right, and the 48-year-old will be looking to prove himself in Qatar.
Who's the star man?
Xherdan Shaqiri - Even at the age of 31 and recently having moved to the MLS, Shaqiri is still a mercurial talent and has a dazzling trick or two up his sleeve that makes him a must-watch at international tournaments.
He operated as a No 10 against England recently and looked menacing as the Swiss dominated the early exchanges.
![Responsible first of all for Italy's non-qualification, you underestimate Switzerland at your peril](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/05/23/08/56068843-10671591-Responsible_first_of_all_for_Italy_s_non_qualification_you_under-a-9_1653291215465.jpg)
Responsible first of all for Italy's non-qualification, you underestimate Switzerland at your peril
The former Liverpool forward played in all five of their games at Euro 2020, scoring three goals. He's still key.
Alongside Shaqiri is a resurgent Granit Xhaka, who is back in form again under Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The midfielder will also be key if Switzerland are to have another impressive tournament.
How did they qualify?
Many thought that, on the back of their success at Euro 2020, Italy would qualify for Qatar with ease.
We all know how that turned out and Switzerland were the ones that dumped Roberto Mancini's side into the play-offs.
Two draws against Italy wiped out their threat and then Switzerland took care of business against Northern Ireland, Bulgaria and Lithuania by winning five out of six of those matches to claim top spot.
Chance of winning the trophy - 2/5
Cameroon
Who's the manager?
Rigobert Song - Capped 137 times by his country, appearing at four World Cups and eight Africa Cup of Nations, Song is a Cameroonian legend for his successes on the pitch from 1993-2010.
Yet after the hosts were knocked out of AFCON 2021 in the semi-final stage, Song received the opportunity to make his name in the dugout as he replaced Portuguese coach Toni Conceicao.
![Rigobert Song was named as Cameroon coach in February following a disappointing AFCON](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63910785-11357383-image-a-20_1666882601025.jpg)
Rigobert Song was appointed Cameroon coach in February following a disappointing AFCON
Song immediately proved his worth as Cameroon clinched their place in Qatar in dramatic fashion.
Cameroon last made it to the quarter-finals of a World Cup all the way back in 1990, and though an inexperienced coach, Song will do all he can to change that this year.
Who's the star man?
Karl Toko Ekambi - The Lyon forward has scored 12 goals in 50 caps for his country, and spearheads an attack which also has strength in depth in the form of Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
![Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekamb has scored 12 goals in 50 caps for Cameroon and will spearhead their attack](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/10/27/15/63910901-11357383-image-a-21_1666882729319.jpg)
Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekamb has scored 12 goals in 50 caps for Cameroon and will spearhead their attack
Ajax goalkeeper Andre Onana will be one of the most exciting goalkeepers in the tournament too.
How did they qualify?
After topping a second-round group which included Ivory Coast, Cameroon got the better of 2019 AFCON winners Algeria in a two-legged tie.
Riyad Mahrez and Co won 1-0 in Cameroon but Choupo-Moting's first-half goal triggered extra-time drama.
![Cameroon celebrate after sealing their place in dramatic fashion against Algeria this week](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/05/23/08/56072191-10671591-Cameroon_celebrate_after_sealing_their_place_in_dramatic_fashion-a-6_1653291215375.jpg)
Cameroon celebrate after sealing their place in dramatic fashion against Algeria this week
Algeria thought they were through when William Troost-Ekong scored in the 118th minute, before Toko Ekambi scored a stoppage-time winner to give his country an away goals triumph.
Chance of winning the trophy - 1/5
What are the fixtures and when are they?
*All times GMT.
Thursday 24 November
- Switzerland vs Cameroon - 10am
- Brazil vs Serbia - 7pm
Monday 28 November
- Cameroon vs Serbia - 10am
- Brazil vs Switzerland - 4pm
Friday 2 December
- Cameroon vs Brazil - 7pm
- Serbia vs Switzerland - 7pm
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