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Fédération Camerounaise de Football (1959)
Coach: Paul Le Guen
Confederation: CAF
FIFA Ranking (Nov 09): 11
Previous Appearances: 5 (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)
Background
Cameroon has had the maximum participation in the World Cup from among the African countries, starting in 1982. 2010 South Africa will be the sixth World Cup for the Lions. Though they missed out in 1986, thereafter they have been regulars on the big stage till 2006 which too Cameroon missed. But now they are back with a new crop of players who are playing all over the world for various leading clubs. If they once had only one Roger Milla, now they have a bunch of stars eager to perform and win.
the road to the 2010 FIFA World Cup
Being a seeded team, Cameroon had direct admission to Round 2.
Second Round
Cameroon was placed in Group 1 along with Tanzania, Mauritius, and Cape Verde, all easy meat for the Lions. They won five games out of six drew one. Cameroon started off dishing out a defeat to Cape Verde, Rigobert Song and Samuel Eto’o scoring a goal each.
Eto’o struck one more as Cameroon trounced Mauritius 3-0 away from home. Tanzania surprised the Lions by holding out for the entire duration of the match and not letting in a goal. In the return match a week later, Eto’o scored a brace and Cameroon edged past Tanzania 2-1
The score line was repeated against Cape Verde and in the final match of the Second Round, Cameroon demolished Mauritius 5-0, to march to the next round. Eto’o had six goals in the six games.
Third Round
Cameroon, the top seed were drawn in Group A along with Gabon, Togo, and Morocco.
The opening match against Togo was played in Ghana as Togo were not permitted by FIFA to stage games in Lome. Two famous internationals, Samuel Eto’o and Adebayor; were face to face and the last word belonged to Adebayor netting the only goal of the game. The inauspicious start of the third round continued to cast its shadow over the Lions and they were held goalless by Morocco in the next match. But Cameroon bounced back defeating Gabon 2-0 and 2-1 at a trot in home and away encounters. Eto’o netted a goal in each of the games.
The tide had certainly turned in favour of the Lions and they revenged Togo 3-0 on home soil. They rounded off their qualification campaign in style defeating the Moroccans 2-0 and earning a place in the World Cup finals. Eto’o had scored nine goals in the qualification matches.
Strengths
With Samuel Eto’o, one of the best strikers in Africa as the spearhead, Cameroon’s strength should be attack. It is so, but of equal or more importance is the team’s midfield. Whichever formation the coach decides for the team, the midfield plays a pivotal role, feeding the forwards and covering the defence.
Weaknesses
There are many aging players in the squad. Some have become slow and also rusty. To what extent they can cope with the high voltage activities at the top level remains to be seen. Age creeps up on imperceptibly and big occasions mercilessly expose it.
The Coach
Paul Le Guen is valued by his players, who fancy his scheme and tactics to those of Otto Pfister, the previous coach. This is the first assignment for the former French defender in Africa. Generally successful, in previous coaching jobs, the World Cup with the Lions will be a test for him.
Star Men
Samuel Eto’o (Inter);
Respected and feared by all teams for his fabulous football skills, the captain of Cameroon has a great role to play in the fortunes of Cameroon. His presence is inspiring to his mates. Eto’o was in excellent touch during the qualifiers and if he manages to score half the number of goals he scored in them, then Cameroon will be making history.
Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol);
Many consider him the best goalkeeper in Africa today. He is blessed with fast reflexes and is consistent in shot stopping. Kameni has excelled in the Spanish league too. His presence under the bar boosts the confidence of the team.
Stephane M'bia (Marseille);
M'bia has been looked up on as the alternate for Geremi. And that was really happened too. But he is injury prone and fitness will be a major criterion for cementing his position in the squad.
Rigobert Song;
This could be the last World Cup for the 34-year-old Rigobert Song, the legendary Cameroon player. His experience will count and a stunning performance will be a fitting swan song from him.
Alexandre Song;
Alexandre Song, the younger brother of Robert Song is a rising star. He has tremendous skills on the ball and plays his ball game with intelligence. When opportunity arises, he surprises the opposition by running through the mid field and creating chances for the strikers.
Best Footballing Moment
Victory against Spain in the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Cameroon had a miserable first half, but leveled 2-2, forcing penalty shoot out and winning it..
World Cup Objective
Anything, less than a place in the last eight will not be treated as an achievement, because they had already reached there in the 1990 World cup. Ten years hence, the objective would be to go beyond.
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