FIFA Ranking: 56 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: When the Indomitable Lions shocked or, manhandled Diego Maradona`s Argentina in the 1990 World Cup, everyone thought, well... there is an African team which can upset the world order. The showdown with England in one of the quarter-finals was evident to their unique style, often outlined by brute force and technical tackles, a characteristic never before witnessed.
But, unluckily for Cameroon, they have been become just one of the many feeder countries for many of the leagues around the world. And the best example is Samuel Eto`o, their brightest star and also the hope.
Qualifying report: Thanks to first-half goals from Pierre Webo and Benjamin Moudanjo, Cameroon qualified for the World Cup finals after beating Tunisia 4-1 in their play-off second leg. The first leg tie ended 0-0.
Star Players: Samuel Eto’o – the Chelsea `old boy` is their best player and he should lead the chorus of The Rallying Song along with the likes of Alex Song, Stephane Mbia and Fabrice Olinga. In times of need for inspiration, the 33-year-old poacher can always look-up to the legendary Roger Milla`s flag-pole dance, who at the age of 38, kick started his career in the 1990 World Cup.
Top scorer at the Cup: Super-sub Roger Milla leads Cameroon`s World Cup goal scorers list with five goals, four of which came at the 1990 World Cup. Besides scoring goals, Milla has given fans some of the most enduring World Cup moments. His corner flag celebration is still a part of football folklore. And the goal against an equally flamboyant Columbian Rene Higuita, after dispossessing the ball in the midfield, in the 1990 World Cup is still a not-be-missed World Cup moment.
Most World Cup caps: Francois Omam-Biyik - the tall striker represented Cameroon in three finals – 1990, 1994 and 1998, playing in 11 matches. He is remembered for scoring the goal, which shocked the defending champions Argentina in the opening match of the 1990 World Cup. Already famous for his headers, thanks to unrivalled aerial prowess, Omam-Biyik scored many more crucial goals for the African team.
Team record at the Cup: Having made their cup debut in 1982, they have appeared in six world cup finals (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010) altogether. The Brazil edition will be their seventh appearance at the show-piece tournament. Cameroon are the most successful African team in terms of World Cup participation. In 1990, they became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup.
Coach: Volker Finke – the German has done an exceptional job to keep harmony in the dressing room despite having some of the most vocal players. It seems, his 16-year-stint with Freiburg has taught him more about stability than flash-points. Even with the ongoing tussle with Eto`s, Finke has managed to extract the best out of his squad by rotating the roles between his star players.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Charles Itandje (Konyaspor), Sammy Ndjock (Fetihespor), Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport)
Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille), Henri Bedimo (Lyon), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor), Jean Makoun (Rennes), Joel Matip (Schalke), Stephane Mbia (QPR), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux), Alex Song (Barcelona), Edgar Salli (Lens)
Forwards: Samuel Eto`o (unattached), Eric Choupo Moting (Mainz), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Pierre Webo (Fenerbahce), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte-Waregem)
Group listing: Group A - Brazil, Croatia, Mexico.
Fixtures:
June 13: Mexico v Cameroon, Natal
June 18: Cameroon v Croatia, Natal
June 23: Cameroon v Brazil, Brasilia