#20-Cameroon

#20-Cameroon
Nickname-Les Lions Indomptables (Indomitable Lions)
Confederation of African Football (CAF)
FIFA Ranking-#59
Group E (Brazil, Croatia, Cameroon, Mexico)
Projected Results...
Loss to Brazil
Tie to Croatia
Tie to Mexico
Manager-Volker Finke
Qualified through CAF playoff victory 4-1 on aggregate over Tunisia
7th World Cup Appearance (1982, 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010)

Cameroon is a team that I personally am taking a chance on, just because they're not a "sexy" team.  A lot of people will pick them for fourth in the group behind Mexico, but I am going to slot them third, and a second place finish is very possible for them.  After Brazil will finish first, second place is wide open in this group.  Cameroon is probably the most in form team from Africa at the moment, though not the most talented team.  I think they will finish third in the group behind Croatia in second, but Cameroon have some top class players.  Last World Cup, Cameroon were beaten by one goal by each of their opponents (Netherlands, Japan, Denmark).  Those are three good teams, and I think the experience will really benefit them this time around.  I would not be shocked if they finished second in the group, but then again I wouldn't be shocked if anyone (aside from Brazil) finished second here. Some key players for Cameroon:

Samuel Eto'o-This guy is the striker for Cameroon, and he has played for so many world class teams.  Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and now he's at Chelsea, Eto'o can score at any level, and has proven it this season at Chelsea.  112 appearances for Cameroon, 55 goals. Great strike rate.  Will be heavily depended on for goals. At age 33, it's probably his last chance at World Cup.

Nicolas N'Koulou-Quality defender.  24 years old, plays for Marseille in the French Ligue 1. He has played Champions League, so he has big game experience.  44 appearances for the national team.  Will have to be the anchor of this defense for them to advance.

Alex Song-Midfielder who will need to set up Eto'o and co. up front.  Plays for Barcelona, so he obviously possesses a great deal of quality.  43 appearances for the national team.  Cannot overstate how important he is to this team.  He is like the flux capacitor in Back to the Future. Without the flux capacitor, time travel didn't work.  Without Alex Song, the offense will not work.

Cameroon probably will fall just short of second place, but they will entertain.  Third place is more likely.