adminHAVING launched into the World Cup via on uninspiring qualifying campaign, Cameroon will be looking for a vast improvement in Brazil as part of the process of rebuilding their reputation as a footballer nation – both across the world and in Africa.
They lost 2-0 away to Togo in their qualifying group, but the hosts fielding of an ineligible player meant Cameroon were awarded a 3-0 win retroactively, overturning a result that probably would have called a halt to their World Cup ambitions.
They went on to record an impressive 4-1 aggregate victory in their play-off against Tunisia, but Cameroon are unlikely to surprise anyone in Brazil-especially in a group containing the hosts and two talented mid-ranked sides.
The perception
Samuel Eto’o and not a whole lot else. A side with one genuine star who has to do everything himself to make up for his side’s shortcomings and poor defence.
The reality
Quite the opposite. This is a side with a sturdy defence and a solid stopper in Charles Itandje-but goals are real problem. A recent second-half capitulation against Portugal was less solid – conceding four to lose 5-1 suggesting that contrary to the nickname, the Indomitable Lion, might be a bit, well, domitable.
The master plan
Setting up the team in a 4-3-3, German boss Volker Finke got Cameroon playing a possession game with Alex Song dictating the tempo, they like to get the ball into Vincent Aboubakar through the middle, allowing the winger or full back to find space. When that fails, they go long.
Strengths
Defending. Nicolas N’Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou have formed an excellent centre-back partnership, and with revitalised Liverpool reject Itandje giving some fine performance between the sticks in qualifying, Cameroon will be hoping to at least shut teams out.
Weakness
Creativity. With seemingly no attacking midfielders, the team lack the vital connection between midfielders and attack, meaning the talent upfront lacks the service to thrive.
Lessons from qualifying
Stick with 4-3-3. Finke experimented with a diabolical 4-4-2 formation initially, with a quartet of defensive midfielders in front of back four. The 4-3-3 used in the second leg of the play-off against Tunisia saw the team score more than they had in their previous five matches, running out 4-1 winners.
Verdict
Terrible showing at recent tournaments and a tough group suggest they won’t progress.
Key player
Itandje. As his domestic career has slipped into obscurity, he has become one of Cameroon’s best performers, making a number of match-winning saves. A particular highlight was the 0-0 first leg against Tunisia, as he showed the sort of form that prompted Liverpool to sign him back in 2007. He’ll need more of the same against the likes of Neymar and co. — FourFourTwo
Online Reporter