Jon Karlsson

What: 2010 FIFA World Cup
Who: Japan vs Cameroon (Group E)
When: Monday 14th June, 2010, at 15:00 UK Time
Where: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Cutting a Path Through to the Last 16

The Blue Samurai are hoping to repeat 2002’s success of reaching the last 16, but have been handed a tricky group to navigate. Concerns about the physical strength and style of play of Cameroon are sure to be at the forefront of coach Takeshi Okada’s mind as he plots a route to victory for Japan. One problem which will need to be overcome is the lack of a real goalscorer in the side and that coupled with poor pre-tournament friendly form could cause many Japanese fans to worry. Indeed, Japan have lost all the four friendlies they played before the World Cup.

Lions Ready to Roar

Cameroon have many African hopes upon their shoulders, packed as they are with Europe based stars and in a group that they should be able to qualify from. In fact, former Indomitable Lions coach Claude Le Roy, now in charge of Oman, said he expects them to outperform all their continental rivals. It just remains to be seen how far they can go. Cameroon will target a win here and with the firepower of Samuel Eto’o and long range shooting power of Achille Emana, they have goals throughout the team, something Japan appear to lack. Urged on by the vuvuzelas, Cameroon should be confident of victory.


Recent form

Japan:
Japan 0-2 South Korea (24/05; Friendly)
England 2-1 Japan (30/05; Friendly)
Japan 0-2 Ivory Coast (04/06; Friendly)

Cameroon:
Slovakia 1-1 Cameroon (29/05; Friendly)
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon (01/06; Friendly)
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon (05/06; Friendly)


Players to watch

Japan – Keisuke Honda: Japan will look to Honda for not just midfield finesse, but also as a source of goals. After impressing in Holland with VVV Venlo, Honda got his reward, although the destination surprised many: CSKA Moscow. The midfielder has settled in Russia and enjoyed the experience of Champions League football, helping CSKA knock out Sevilla and reach the quarter-final. Honda will play in an advanced position with Japan and his performance may make or break their chances.

Cameroon – Samuel Eto’o: The Inter forward arrives at the World Cup with a treble of winners medals in his pocked. Eto’o is Cameroon’s trump card and if they are to go as far as many people believe they can, then the striker will have to be 2010’s Roger Milla. Quick and lethal in front of goal, Eto’o won’t need many chances to find the back of the net against the Japanese.


Match prediction

In many ways this is the worst opening game the Japanese could have been given. Cameroon, roared on by an African crowd, strong and physical in their play, could well steamroller the Blue Samurai. If the game becomes purely about technical skills then Japan can compete, but they lack a clinical striker and Cameroon will score, perhaps more than once. 2-0 to the Indomitable Lions seems about right.

Don’t forget: If you fancy a bet on this exciting game, you can find and compare the prices of all major online bookmakers at tip-ex.com.