Neither of the teams in this match are termed as favourites for the World Cup by any stretch of the imagination, and both suffered defeats in their opening matches: Cameroon at the hands of a well organized Japan team, while Denmark were on the receiving end of a hard fought 2 nil win by Holland.
Looking at the opening fixtures for Cameroon and Denmark, there was a feeling that both were well prepared, not essentially for a win but to not lose, and that is the approach which will have to change if they are to have any chance of staying in the World Cup. Surely, a 2nd successive defeat may spell the end of road for either of the two teams. Thus, a much more attacking game plan is expected from both teams.
Cameroon, who are hugely dependant on their star striker Samuel Eto’o, will have to bring in the Real Betis winger Achille Emana. Arsenal’s Alex Song is also expected to make a comeback in midfield.
Denmark coach Morten Olsen may consider Ajax player Christian Eriksen in an effort to bring in more creativity to his team, which was lacking in the first game. Eriksen, many believe is the heir to Denmark Legend Michael Laudrup; the youngster has been making headlines in Amsterdam with some sterling performances in the Dutch league.
Samuel Eto’o is expected to have a mini battle on his hands, as opposition defender Simon Kjaer has openly said that he is ready to take on the Inter Milan striker. Fresh from the success of Champions League with his club, Eto’o is keen on making some sort of an impression with his country, and has been facing constant criticism from former players regarding his commitment to the national team, as there was a feeling that he is more concerned with his club career rather than the International one. The front man will thus be looking to prove his critics wrong.
Denmark, who strive on their defensive abilities and proper game plan, will be looking to be more aggressive than they were in their opening game. Liverpool’s Daniel Agger and Simon Kjaer from Palermo are believed to be two of the best men in defence in Europe, and once again will be the key players for the Danes.
The two managers Paul Le Guen and Morten Olsen will be looking to make a name for themselves, as if they manage to get their team to the next round of the World Cup, it will be a big plus on their managerial profile.
Morten Olsen has been incharge of Denmark for more than a decade now, and has now trained and guided almost two generations of Danish footballers. His counterpart Paul Le Guen, on the other hand, just took on the reigns of Cameroon last year, and a defeat in the next match will not only mean an exit from the World Cup, but also the end of his tenure as the national team’s manager.
There is no surprise that Cameroon plan their strategy with Eto’o at the forefront of all tactics; normally he plays as the lone central striker, with two quick wingers on either side to constantly deliver balls in the 6 yard box, and this strategy is not expected to change in the next game either.
While for Denmark, their most important player has to be the Arsenal Striker Nicklas Bendtner, who made a habit of scoring late goals with his club, but has yet to prove himself at the international level. Denmark are expected to play with one upfront and use Bendtner as the target man, with number of long balls, as amid all the plans and strategies route one football at times is the best answer, and that is precisely what Olsen may have in mind. Defeat for either side will mark the end of the road for them, so both teams are surely to give it their all in their 2nd group match.
Tags: