The team
It’s difficult to have a conversation with a football fan about Cameroon without them mentioning Roger Milla and the 1990 team, whose flair and flamboyance will forever be remembered fondly. Since then, these African underdogs have become regular FIFA World Cup participants, but have never quite captured the imagination like they did 20 years ago.
The coach
Paul Le Guen
At a time when Cameroonian football threatened to go into decline, Frenchman Paul Le Guen was handed the reins. As a trophy-winning manager with Lyon and PSG, he brings a level of professionalism and tight control that the squad will need if it is to realise its ambitions this year.
Player to watch
Samuel Eto’o
Samuel Eto’o stands alone as the only mega-star in the team. Regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, he left Barcelona for Inter Milan last summer. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Alexandre Song and Benoit Assou-Ekotto of Spurs will look to continue their good club form.
We’re on the ball
World Cup appearances: 6
Previous best: Quarter-finals, 1990
Odds of winning: 100/1
Strange but true: Cameroon have caused controversy at recent tournaments by attempting to play in one-piece skin-tight football kits. FIFA and kit manufacturer Puma headed to court before the kit was banned and a more traditional shorts and shirt combo was re-introduced.
Fixtures: Japan, June 14, 6pm, Bloemfontein Denmark, June 19, 10.30pm, Pretoria Netherlands, June 24, 10.30pm, Cape Town
