Alex Song Sent Off as Cameroon Crumble Against Croatia
Cameroon’s World Cup woes deepened on Wednesday night with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Croatia — a match overshadowed by an inexplicable moment of indiscipline from midfielder Alex Song.
With the Indomitable Lions already trailing and struggling to contain a focused Croatian side, Song was sent off in the first half for an off-the-ball incident. The Barcelona midfielder lashed out at Mario Mandzukic, elbowing the striker in the back in full view of the referee. The red card was immediate and left Cameroon with ten men for more than half the match.
Song’s moment of madness not only damaged his team’s already fragile hopes in Brazil but also highlighted growing signs of unrest within the Cameroonian squad. The incident drew widespread criticism, as fans and pundits questioned how such an experienced player could make such a reckless decision on the world stage.
It wasn’t just the dismissal that revealed cracks in the Cameroonian camp. Their overall performance was disjointed and uninspired, allowing Croatia to dominate the match from start to finish. Goals from Ivica Olić, Ivan Perišić, and a brace from Mandzukic sealed the victory for the European side and sent Cameroon crashing out of the tournament.
The defeat confirms what many had feared — that Cameroon’s internal problems, which reportedly include disputes over bonuses and team unity, have spilled onto the pitch. With players seemingly lacking cohesion and discipline, their campaign has unravelled in dramatic fashion.
Coach Volker Finke now faces tough questions, not only about tactics and preparation but also about the mental and emotional state of his squad. For Alex Song, his red card could mark a low point in his international career, and the backlash at home is likely to be severe.
As Cameroon prepare for their final group match, there is little left to salvage in terms of results. However, pride and professionalism will be expected — especially after the disheartening display against Croatia.
