Wednesday, 4th June, 2014
Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia has declared that his nation’s ambition is to reach the knockout stage of the World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions, who are in Group A of the showpiece event with Croatia, Mexico and hosts Brazil, will start their World Cup campaign against the Mexicans on 13th June.
And Mbia underlined the importance of his side not losing their opening game against Mexico, who he thinks are a very technically gifted side like Spain.
The Sevilla player, who admitted Brazil are favourites to top the group, insisted that the race to finish second will be amongst the other three teams.
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“It is our ambition to go through to the knockout stage,” he told the FIFA’s official site.
“It is important not to lose the first game, because it can determine a lot of things. Mexico is a very good team, their style reminds me of that of Spain.
“Technically, they are very strong. Then we face Croatia, who have [Ivan] Rakitic and [Luka] Modric. They are one of three teams that will fight for second place in the group.
“Brazil are favourites and it does not bother me when they say they will finish in first place. Brazil is always a favourite, especially if they play at home.”
After their opening fixture against Mexico, Cameroon will take on Croatia on 18th June before facing Brazil in their final group stage game five days later.
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