2010 World Cup Preview Group E: Cameroon
By Ty Duffy
“However little you think of the elephant, you can’t say it won’t fill a pot.” – Cameroonian Proverb
Cameroon was the first African team to turn heads in 1990. Led by 38-year-old Roger Milla they beat defending champion Argentina 1-0. They made it to the quarterfinals and held a 2-1 lead against England before succumbing 3-2. They qualified again in 1994 and 1998, but failed to revive the magic flaming out in the group on both occasions. Cameroon nearly advanced from their 2002 group, but could not get the draw they needed against Germany.
With the World Cup on African soil for the first time, it would be thrilling for an African team to make a serious run. Cameroon, with talent, depth and a favorable group draw is seen as one of the best possibilities. However, there are questions about this team’s cohesion and the capability of Paul Le Guen to lead them.
Form: After flying through the second round of CAF qualifying, Cameroon stumbled. They lost away to Togo. They drew 0-0 at home to Morocco. Head coach Otto Pfister (snicker) was sacked. As late as last September, they looked set for failure, but they regrouped under new coach Paul Le Guen. They played an attacking style, energized by a new captain Samuel Eto’o. They won the final four matches by a 9-1 margin and qualified.
Cameroon’s qualifying finish was impressive, but their African Cup of Nations performance was not. They reached the quarterfinals, but they won just one of the four matches, all against non-World Cup opposition, and allowed eight goals.
Tactics: Le Guen generally opted for a 4-4-2 in his previous stops at Lyon, Rangers and PSG. With Cameroon however, he plays an attacking 4-3-3. Eto’o leads the line up front. The other players take various shapes depending on the opponent. Sometimes it’s a straight 4-3-3, but it can also look like a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-2-1.
Cameroon is versatile at the back, with a number of players who can play as defenders or midfielders. Most of them would prefer to be midfielders. Tottenham’s Benoit Assou-Ekotto will start at left back. Veteran Rigobert Song was the choice during qualifying. He should keep his place and play in his fourth World Cup (keep in mind, Cameroon did not qualify for 2006). He should be partnered by 20-year-old Nicolas N’Koulou and veteran Geremi at right back. That lineup, however, sacrifices speed for experience. You could see Marseille’s Stephane Mbia in the middle or at right back.
In midfield, Arsenal’s midfield stopper Alex Song should pair with Landry N’Guermo in defensive midfield, giving Lyon’s Jean Makoun the opportunity to get forward. Samuel Eto’o will lead the line up front with Achille Emana and Pierre Webo on his wings.
The Eto’o Factor: Samuel Eto’o sacrificed his goal-scoring last season, to play a more functional role for Inter Milan, but he’s still one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. He has the ability to take over this tournament, but only if his teammates can get him the ball in advantageous positions. Cameroon’s three man midfield are all defensive midfielders at club level. If they can’t link up play, Cameroon could struggle.
Prediction: Cameroon has talent and depth on paper. They have an amenable schedule. They can beat Japan, get a result against Denmark and presumably catch the Netherlands with their foot off the gas. They have home-continent advantage. They should advance. Though, the Indomitable Lions were quite domitable in their last tournament. Le Guen is still trying to find his best squad. It’s easy to see them faltering.
Interesting Fact: Cameroon is often referred to as “Africa in Miniature” because of the diversity of cultures and climates. There are more than 130 distinct ethnic groups.
Group A: South Africa, Mexico, Uruguay, France
Group B: Argentina, Nigeria, South Korea, Greece
Group C: England, United States, Slovenia, Algeria
Group D: Germany, Australia, Serbia, Ghana
Group E: Netherlands, Denmark, Japan, Cameroon
Group F: Italy, Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia
Group G: Brazil, North Korea, Ivory Coast, Portugal
Group H: Spain, Switzerland, Honduras, Chile