What: FIFA 2010 World Cup
Who: Cameroon v Denmark (Group E)
When: Saturday 19th June, 2010, at 19:30 UK Time
Where: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa
For African Pride
Despite controlling the majority of possession against Japan, Cameroon’s failure to convert their chances saw them hand the Asian nation their first ever World Cup win on foreign soil. Captain Samuel Eto’o was, as expected, the side’s most dangerous threat going forward, but the Inter striker failed to find a breakthrough goal against a stern Japan defence.
Ghana have been the only African nation to record a win in the World Cup so far, giving Cameroon added motivation to push on and give their fellow Africans something to cheer for. With a loss likely to mean elimination from the tournament as well, expect Eto’o and company to fight harder than ever on their “home soil”.
Crucial for the game will surely be coach Paul Le Guen’s decision of starting eleven. Several senior players spoke out after the first game, warning the Frenchman not to use too many youngsters against the Danes. "What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones", said midfielder Achille Emana, who himself started on the bench against the Japanese.
Searching for that Rhythm
Denmark found themselves dominated against by an off-colour Holland side in their opening match, with keeper Thomas Sorensen all that kept the Danes from losing in embarrassing fashion. Although the opening goal was the result of a freak own-goal, which long serving coach Marten Olsen called “one of those things”, the Oranje were more than deserving of their win. A fact which won’t have escaped the Danes’ attention.
Danish Dynamite have been struggling since before the World Cup, and it was evident in their opening match, as they failed to find the necessary rhythm to do more than manage the occasional threat to the Dutch defence. Facing elimination, it will be vital for the Danes to snap out of their slump, and find their groove.
Recent form
Cameroon:
Portugal 3-1 Cameroon (29/05; Friendly)
Serbia 4-3 Cameroon (03/06; Friendly)
Japan 1-0 Cameroon (13/06; World Cup – Group E)
Denmark:
Australia 1-0 Denmark (01/06; Friendly)
South Africa 1-0 Denmark (05/06; Friendly)
Netherlands 2-0 Denmark (14/06; World Cup – Group E)
Players to watch
Cameroon – Samuel Eto’o: The former Barcelona and current Inter striker will be the focal point of Cameroon’s attack. Although he failed to take matters into his own hands against Japan, the prolific marksman will still be the African nation’s most dangerous threat whenever they surge forward.
Denmark – Thomas Sorensen: The Stoke City goalkeeper was all that kept Holland from going on to hammer Denmark in their opening match. Sorensen was extremely brave in and around his penalty area, and another strong performance from him will be necessary to keep out Samuel Eto’o and the rest of the Cameroon side, allowing his own team-mates to do the business at the other end.
Match prediction
With Denmark looking lethargic against a Holland side not even in full swing, Cameroon will look to capitalise and register a first and vital win in the World Cup. With African pride on the line, Samuel Eto’o and company will prevail 1-0.
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