Cameroon – World Cup Preview

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Coach Paul Le Guen was appointed in July 2009 and since then has guided Cameroon pretty convincingly to the World Cup finals, they had previously failed to qualify for the 2006 tournament in Germany.

There were problems in qualifying but these were quickly overcome and although knocked out of the African Cup of Nations this year it was by eventual winners Egypt. During qualifying Cameroon suffered from problems in defence that meant they lost their opening tie against Togo and drew against Morocco. After Le Guen was instated changes were made and the results took a U-turn.

Le Guen has since brought in Assou-Ekotto and Sebastien Bassong from Tottenham to bolster the defence and stripped Rigobert Song of the captaincy. This was in turn given to Samuel Eto’o who looks to be enjoying leading the line.

Indeed, Eto’o is where most Cameroonians will be placing their hopes. Eto’o is a great asset domestically for Inter Milan and has an amazing goal return of 44 in 96 games internationally.

Alongside Eto’o it looks like Pierre Webo of Mallorca may start when the tournament gets under way, having recently hit form against Serbia. He has scored 16 in 40 games for Cameroon.

In the middle of the park Arsenal’s Alex Song could prove integral, the defensive midfielder may need to break up play quite frequently to aid the shaky back line but if the experienced midfield can keep the ball moving the Indomitable Lions may find some fighting form. However Geremi Njitap, even if he can capture some of the flair of his youth may be hard pressed to push down the wing as fleetly as he used to.

Quite possibly the central problem with Cameroon is this lack of pace and youth, Eto’o is still very quick but he could end up cut off from the rest of an ageing squad.