Doha

Breel Embolo scored the only goal to lift Switzerland past his country of birth Cameroon in their World Cup Group G opening match here late on Thursday.

Embolo, who moved to Europe with his mother as a boy, scored in the 47th minute after receiving a low cross from captain Granit Xhaka.

Cameroon's miserable run at the world's most important tournament continued after losing their 10th consecutive World Cup match.

The ‘Indomitable Lions’, who claimed a shock victory over Diego Maradona's Argentina at the 1990 World Cup, have scored only one victory in their last 15 World Cup matches.

Rigobert Song, the Cameroon coach who played at four World Cups, rued loss to the European side despite taking full control in the first half.

"We were in control, we had many good opportunities, but we failed to convert them to goals. We missed the final touch. But we showed we were hungry for the goal. We have played high-quality football."

Swiss coach Murat Yakin said their "patience" paid off in the second half because they are a mature team that has played for a very long period of time.

"I am happy with the position we have got and we need to make some changes for the next match. We have enough to do so."

25-year-old Embolo, who scored the winner, did not celebrate because he was born in Cameroon.

ALSO READ: Brazil begin group campaign with win over Serbia

Switzerland will next play against Brazil in four days while Cameroon is going to take on Serbia.