Cameroon Lions look at Japan with relish
Source: Agencies |
June 14, 2010, Monday
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Print Edition
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CAMEROON'S Indomitable Lions look set to feast on struggling Japan when they meet in their opening World Cup match today.
The nation that thrilled the world with the emerging power of African soccer by reaching the quarterfinals in the 1990 tournament in Italy has not been on such great form in recent years.
But spearheaded by striker Samuel Eto'o, it has rediscovered its roar under coach Paul Le Guen and will carry the hopes of many people not just in Cameroon but across the African continent as it hosts its first World Cup.
Japan is putting on a brave face but it has struggled to score goals and look destined to be the supporting cast in Group E, which also features Denmark and the Netherlands.
Eto'o will need to put a spat with former Cameroon great Roger Milla behind him when he leads his team out at Bloemfontein's Free State Stadium.
Milla questioned the Inter Milan player's commitment to his country, prompting Eto'o to threaten to miss the tournament. But the three-time Africa Player of the Year had a thumbs-up and smile for the crowd when he arrived in Durban on Thursday.
Frenchman Le Guen, who has turned Cameroon around since his appointment in July last year, said the strong and experienced squad was in good fettle despite the Milla/Eto'o row and the failure to win any of its warm-up games.
"We had a good preparation and we are optimistic," he said. "We have pressure but it's not a surprise for me."
The partnership of Jean Makoun and Alexandre Song in central midfield will also be crucial if Cameroon is to repeat former glories and dance once more around the corner flag, as Milla memorably did in 1990 after scoring.
Struggling Japan has failed to win a World Cup match on foreign soil and is desperate to find its scoring touch.
Fans of the Blue Samurai will place their hopes on attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, who might even be used as a striker.
"I have practised this way of playing from time-to-time and I have been told there is possibility of having this role," the 23-year-old told reporters after Japan labored to goalless draw against Zimbabwe in its last warm-up game on Thursday.
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