Day nine of the FIFA World Cup 2022 was arguably the most thrilling of the tournament so far.

From a six-goal thriller between Cameroon and Serbia to a nail-biting, edge-of-the-seat encounter between Brazil and Switzerland, much can be highlighted from the four matches on the day. Here are 10 takeaways for our OBSERVER ONLINE readers.

1. Indomitable Lions

Cameroon came back from two goals down to get their first point of the tournament in a 3-3 draw against Serbia. They will now have to defeat tournament favourites Brazil to have a shot at advancing the knockout stages, which would also be dependent on a favourable result in the other group finale between Serbia and Switzerland.

2. Ghana – The Real Deal

Ghana have emerged as one of the stronger African teams at the World Cup, and today put themselves in the driving seat for a second round spot with a hard-fought 3-2 win over South Korea.

3. Ghana bring the excitement… again

As they did in their opener against Portugal, the Ghanaians entertained against South Korea with fast-flowing football. Both their games have been among the most entertaining matches of the tournament so far.

4. Kudus to Ghana

Mohammed Kudus continues to impress as he was influential in two of Ghana’s three goals. The Ajax player was electric as he scored the deciding goal of the match to sink South Korea.

5. Defensive tactics delay Brazil, again

Despite having arguably the best offense in the tournament, Brazil were again kept at bay for a large portion of a match by a solid defensive effort. In their first match against Serbia, it took heroics by Richarlison to pick the lock and today it was Casemiro’s 83rd minute goal that gave the South Americans the breakthrough.

6. Brazil struggle without Neymar

Neymar’s absence was felt as the Brazilians failed to break down a strong Switzerland defence. Casemiro’s brilliant strike made the difference in what looked like a match destined to be a stalemate.

7. Vinicius Jr stands out

After Neymar suffered an ankle injury in Brazil’s opener against Serbia, the South Americans were made to look elsewhere for another creative outlet. Vinicius Jr answered that call as he impressed against the Swiss with a constant quick change of direction and silky skills.

8. Casemiro saves the day

Casemiro’s stunner left Switzerland’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer for dead between the two posts. It was a well needed goal as it made the difference between the two sides. Ultimately, Brazil became the second team to advance to the round of 16.

9. We must talk about Bruno!

Bruno Fernandes has started this World Cup campaign with a chip on his shoulder. The Manchester United number 8 has exceeded expectation as he already has two goals and two assists in two appearances for Portugal at the tournament so far.

10. No show for Uruguay

On paper, Uruguay looked to be one of the most impressive sides entering the World Cup in Qatar. However, the South Americans are in danger of not advancing as they sit at the bottom of group H, having yet to win a match. They now must beat an impressive Ghanaian team to keep their hopes alive.