That’s a great overview of Cameroon’s setup heading into the 2014 World Cup! Here’s a summary of the key points:
Cameroon at the 2014 World Cup:
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World Cup history: 7th appearance (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014)
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Best result: Quarter-finals in 1990 (Roger Milla’s team)
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Group: A (Brazil, Mexico, Croatia, Cameroon)
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Coach: Volker Finke (German)
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Captain & star player: Samuel Eto’o (Chelsea striker, playing his 4th World Cup, known for his lethal skills in tight spaces)
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Key young player: Vincent Aboubakar (22 years old, striker for FC Lorient, seen as Eto’o’s successor)
Qualifying journey:
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Rough preparation with bonus issues
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Sacked former coach Jean Paul Akono, replaced by Finke
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Qualified by finishing top in group and winning playoff against Tunisia 4-1 in second leg after a draw in Tunisia
Key squad members:
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Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje, Sammy Ndjock, Loic Fedjou
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Defenders: Allan Nyom, Cedric Djeugoue, Dany Nounkeu, Aurélien Chedjou, Nicolas Nkoulou, Henri Bedimo, Benoit Assou-Ekotto
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Midfielders: Enoh Eyong, Jean II Makoun, Joël Matip, Stéphane Mbia, Landry Nguemo, Alexandre Song, Edgar Salli
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Attackers: Samuel Eto’o, Eric Choupo-Moting, Benjamin Moukandjo, Vincent Aboubakar, Pierre Achille Webo, Fabrice Olinga
Schedule:
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June 13: Cameroon vs Mexico
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June 18: Croatia vs Cameroon
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June 23: Cameroon vs Brazil
Despite doubts from many observers, the strong friendly showing (like the 2-2 draw with Germany) signals that Cameroon could be a surprise in the group. Eto’o’s leadership and form will be crucial, but the team also relies on young talent like Aboubakar and a solid defense.
