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| Will Cameroon take home the chocolates against China? |
Cameroon’s World Cup campaign got off to a perfect start destroying Ecuador, narrowly losing to reigning champions Japan and then overcoming Switzerland to guarantee qualification into the knockout stage. Sheer strength and a good deal of pace is what got them to Canada and it’s held them in good stead thus far. The win against Switzerland in the last group game would have sat well with coach Enow Ngachu, having watched his side come back from being 1-0 down at half time in the race for second spot.
CAMEROON TAKE ON CHINA IN THE ROUND OF 16. READ OUR CHINA PREVIEW HERE.
They’ll beat China because…
Cameroon will beat China because of height, pace and the physicality of their game which won’t sit well with a Chinese outfit that prefers to play a skilful game. Cameroon has made a habit of getting behind opposition defenders regularly and with the pace advantage they have over the Chinese this could be the way in which they progress to the quarter finals. If they can get their crossing and finishing right it’s hard to see their attackers being kept out for 90 minutes.
They’ll be knocked out by China because…
What China lack in pace, height and strength they make up for in skill. Good skills build pressure and that’s what Cameroon can’t afford to let happen. The Cameroonians’ passing game has been lackadaisical at times in Canada and they are prone to defensive brain explosions. China will look to exploit this and take advantage of any errors. They will happen, Cameroon need to arrest them before they are reflected on the scoreboard.
Can they win the World Cup?
They’re still in it, aren’t they? Football is a never-say-never experience and as long as Cameroon is there they have a chance. There’s no doubt they can beat any team on their day but do they have the tenacity to see the rest of the tournament out without the costly errors they are known to make? Will they be able to do something about the sluggish starts they keep making? Only time will tell but don’t rule them out just yet.
Best moment of the tournament so far
Clearly the comeback against Switzerland was something special. Having looked apathetic up until half time, whatever Ngachu said during the break worked wonders because a different team came to play and their attacking best was on display. The diving header from Ngono Mani to score the winner just after the hour will be fondly remembered by the Cameroon faithful.
Key Player
Gaëlle Enganamouit, without a shadow of doubt, is the key for the Cameroonians. Tall, fast, incredibly strong and skilful to boot, the forward will cause all sorts of problems for the Chinese. Not only is she a great finisher – she has three goals in as many games – but her passing game is probably the best in the squad. Any doubters of this ought to see the ball she played to set up Nchout against Japan.
Injuries and suspensions
Well behaved and healthy. Ngachu couldn’t be happier.