Cameroon

The Indomitable Lions enter their first World Cup since 2002 in a hopeful, rather than confident, mood, following a tough qualifying campaign and a quarter final exit at this years Nations Cup in Angola. 

For the past few days the focus has shifted to an off the pitch spat between national legend Roger Milla and the country's most famous player, Samuel Eto'o. The former criticised the Inter Milan star over his performances for his country, leading Eto'o to almost quit the squad untill the media backed off.

With the dispute settled and the captain safely in the final 23-man squad, the Cameroonians can move their attention back to the football. In a friendly with Slovakia on Saturday May 29th, the Africans fell behind only to come back to secure a 1-1 draw late on. Another disappointing draw was experienced a few days earlier against European minnows Georgia.

Paul Le Guen's team secured qualification with a win in Morrocco on the final day of qualifying. Gabon's defeat to Togo saw Les Lions Imdompitables jump into top spot in what was a fortuitous turn of events.

WORLD CUP HISTORY

Cameroon's place in World Cup folklore is already secure following their exploits in 1990. On the opening day defending champions Argentina were beaten, and further wins over Romania and Colombia carried the Africans into a quarter final with England. Two Gary Lineker penalties, one to make it 2-2 and another in extra time, ended the fairytale.

No African team had ever reached such a distance, and only Senegal (2002) have matched it since.

SCHEDULE- Group E

Japan         June 14th- Bloemfontein

Denmark    June 19th- Pretoria

Holland      June 24th- Cape Town

The group phase is certainly manageable for a Cameroon squad packed with talented players. While the Netherlands will be clearly the favourites, the other three teams will all be hoping for second place and the four times African Champions have as good a chance as Denmark and Japan.

A repeat of 1990's opening game victory will surley be needed if Cameroon are to progress, as three early points will lift confidence and provide momentum going into trickier games with European opposition. The groups final game with Denmark may be a winner takes all affair.

KEY PLAYERS

As mentioned, Samuel Eto'o, a three time winner of the Champions League, is the star and captain of the team. He is the top scorer in his country's history with 44 and in the history of the Cup of Nations, as well as being the most decorated African footballer of all time. Goals and victories won't come about with Eto'o alone however.

Jean II Makoun is a dynamic central midfielder who playes with Lyon and previously Lille in France. Alongside him will be Arsenal's holding midfielder Alexander Song, who will be given more freedom to roam than Arsene Wenger allows in London. He can also slot in at central defence if neccessary.

Goalkeeper Carlos Kameni is perhaps Africa's finest. Outstanding keepers are not traditionally the strong point of African football but unlike the continents other representative's, Cameroon have one. The Espanyol shot stopper has been first choice in Catalonia for the past four seasons.  

ONE TO WATCH- Alexander Song

BEST CASE SCENARIO...

Qualifiaction for the second round is not unfathomable, and neither is a quarter final place if they were to make it out of the group. A potentially weaker than usual Italy will await them in the last 16.

WORST CASE SCENARIO...

Lose to Japan

PREDICTION

Usurping the two European teams will be the biggest problem, and recent form suggests they wont be able to do it, despite the quality being there.