World Cup Group E preview: Cameroon v Japan
This is a game that both nations will feel they need to win, as the Netherlands and Denmark, favourites to progress out of this group, are still to come.
An African nation is once again playing, and the majority of the crowd- with the infamous vuvuzelas- will be backing Cameroon.
Cameroon’s best success at a World Cup came in 1990, where they reached the quarter-finals and was the scene for Roger Milla performing his now famous dance to the corner flag.
In the build-up to the finals, Milla has been critical of captain Samuel Eto’o, saying he doesn’t perform as well for his country as he does for his club sides. Eto’o had threatened to walk out and not play at the World Cup, but thankfully for Cameroon, he didn’t. A red card in the friendly against Portugal added fuel to the the fire, but nonetheless Eto’o will be playing.
The Indomitable Lions have a strong line-up. As well as Eto’o, they have the commanding experienced Rigobert Song at the back. With most of their players plying their trade in Europe, striker Pierre Webó for Mallorca, Lyon’s Jean Makoun, Stephane Mbia of Marseille, Tottenham Hotspur defensive duo Benoît Assou-Ekotto and Sébastien Bassong, and Rigobert’s younger cousin Alex Song, of Arsenal- Cameroon boast a solid unit, and with experienced manager Paul Le Guen at the helm, playing on African soil will benefit them.
For Japan, after having a good qualifying campaign, they have not had the ideal preparation for the World Cup, losing their last four friendly matches.
Having previously relied on the creativity of ex-Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura, Japan now turn to a new hero by the name of Keisuke Honda. The 24-year-old will carry the nation’s hopes and in a team that possesses a lack of attacking talent, Honda could be the only bright spark.
Coach Takeshi Okada has a lot to prove, and getting three points in this game could be Japan’s only chance of recording a win.
Cameroon are a strong team, and along with Denmark and Holland, are looking to be competing to get out of the group. A win for Japan would throw thems into the equation, but ultimately they have little to offer.
Team news
For Cameroon, Paul Le Guen has hinted that Alex Song may not start, but other than that they have 23 fit players. 36-year-old goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou surprisingly will replace regular first-choice Idriss Kameni in goal.
Makoto Hasebe has overcome a back injury and should play for Japan, but like Cameroon no other injury worries. Honda could be used as the lone man up front.
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