For Swiss striker Embolo, this match against Cameroon is a special taste. Because he was born in Cameroon, he later changed to play for Switzerland. Until now, his father has lived in Cameroon.
On the evening of the 24th, Switzerland won 1-0 against Cameroon with Embolo's goal in the 48th minute of the second half, and won the group stage. But after the goal, Embolo calmly pushed away his teammate who stepped forward to celebrate, which he chose not to celebrate.
"I'm not at my limit yet"
An eight-year career, summed up in one sentence, is not an easy task for anyone. But Embolo did it. "I've not reached my limit yet," he said. ”
He started his career with FC Basel in Switzerland. There, he played from the club's youth team to the first team and became a regular player. In 2016, he moved to the Bundesliga for €26.5 million and joined Schalke 04. But there, he suffered serious injuries that also prevented him from pushing his limits.
In 2019, Embolo offered €10 million to another Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. In Mönchen's days, Embolo's luck was better. But people always felt that they could expect more from him.
During his six years in the Bundesliga, he scored 10 goals for Schalke and contributed 22 goals for Borussia Mönchen. At the age of 25, he moved to Ligue 1 side Monaco. Since then, he has gradually become more mature and no longer obsessed with his goal statistics, "As a striker, if you can create chances for the team, that's the most important thing. If you can score one or two goals on this basis, of course it is the best. ”
In this way, Embolo found a better version of himself, and he created 12 goals for the team in 23 games, including 8 goals and 4 assists. He relieved himself of the pressure and seemed closer to his better self.
Now, Embolo is embarking on his World Cup journey for the second time.
Looking forward to playing against the home country team on the field
On February 14, 1997, Embolo fell to the ground in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. There he spent the first 6 years of his life. His parents later decided to separate, and his mother took him to Switzerland. For the first six months, his mother took him and his brother to stay at his aunt's house.
Have you ever felt sad about parting? He said his memory was blurred. "As a child, adjusting to a new environment is always quick. Go to school, make new friends, and learn the local language. ”
But he never forgot where he came from. "I always go back to Cameroon once or twice a year. I didn't make it this year because of the UEFA Nations League and the transfer," Embolo said. Until now, he is still providing some academic support to some children in Cameroon.
Facing this opponent in the World Cup opener, Embolo could not ignore his close relationship with him. "Cameroon is part of my body. Until now, three-quarters of my family still lives there. That included my father," he said.
When choosing which national team to play for, his father had hoped that he would choose Cameroon, but Embolo chose Switzerland instead. But he has always longed for the opportunity to play against his home country team on the field.
Embolo revealed that he is certainly a fan of Eto'o and Rigobert Song, but only under the field. And when he scored the decisive goal in this match, Embolo chose not to celebrate, giving his country the utmost respect.
[Reporter] Zhu Xiaolong
[Image] Xinhua News Agency
【Author】 Zhu Xiaolong
【Source】 Southern Press Media Group South + client