Three Napoli players were in action on Thursday: André-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Mathias Olivera and Kim Min-jae.
Anguissa played the full 90 minutes in Cameroon’s 0-1 defeat to Switzerland. As usual, the Napoli midfielder covered a ton of ground playing in the midfield in Rigobert Song’s 4-3-3, and combined well with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, another player in fine form in his domestic competition.
Anguissa appeared to slow down in the second half, playing in the afternoon heat at the Al Janoub Stadium. Yet, he had one of Cameroon’s best chances in the 65th minute. Anguissa was first to Bryan Mbeumo’s free kick, but his header lacked power and fell comfortably into the waiting gloves of Yann Sommer.
Frank made up for the miss moments later, kicking out his left leg at the last second to prevent Breel Embolo from scoring his second of the match. The corner kick was awarded after Andre Onana made a fantastic save on Ruben Vargas.
Anguissa also drew a yellow card on Manuel Akanji, after dribbling out of a dangerous situation in the 83rd minute.
Later in the day, Mathias Olivera and Kim Min-jae competed in the second Derby del Napoli of the week, after Piotr Zielinski’s Poland squared off against Hirving Lozano’s Mexico on Tuesday.
Olivera played 79 minutes before being replaced by Roma left back Matías Viña. The Napoli left back was eager to get forward down the left wing, particularly in the first half. Olivera was also solid defensively, doing his part to earn a clean sheet for Uruguay.
Similarly, Kim Min-jae contributed towards South Korea’s first clean sheet of the competition, despite Uruguay hitting the frame of the goal twice.
Napoli fans around the world held their collective breath when Kim needed medical attention after an awkward fall in the 63rd minute. Despite rolling his
ankle, the Monster was able to complete the match. Though he appeared to be labouring, Kim is expected to play in South Korea’s next match against Ghana on Monday.
