Photo: Mexican striker – Javier “Chicarito” Hernandez (Getty Images)
In a very tight group with three teams seemingly fighting to advance to the Round of 16 with hosts Brazil, CONCACAF giants Mexico makes the short trip from North America to face Cameroon. This fixture is extremely important for both teams because victory for either team would leave them in a strong position to make the knock-out stages.
The Mexicans struggled during qualifications and booked their place via a play-off victory against New Zealand. Coach Miguel Herrera has named a very young and exciting squad for the World Cup with a couple old masters in Rafael Marquez and Carlos Salcido. Former Barcelona defender Marquez is expected to marshall the defense with young Diego Reyes and Hector Moreno fighting for a place in the first 11.
Salcido should be at left lack but Andres Guardado could be called upon to do a job there. Porto’s Hector Herrera is their midfield maestro and should be partnered by Carlos Pena. Giovanni dos Santos, Isaac Brizuela and Javier Hernandez should lead the charge in an attacking sense. Mexico was rocked by injury to the creative and explosive Luis Montes but in Hernandez they have the best striker in the world in and around the penalty area.
Cameroon is perhaps the strongest defensive unit of all the African nations. Joel Matip, Nicolas N’Koulou and Aurelien Chedjou leads the defense. These are seasoned Champions League defenders and should provide a steady shield in front of Charles Itandje in goal. Alex Song, Jean Makoun and Stephane Mbia should provide a shield for the defense as well as stability.
The Indomitable Lions has Samuel Eto’o, one of the best strikers of his generation, to spearhead their attack. He will be assisted by Mainz’ Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Lorient’s powerhouse Vincent Aboubakar.
This game is evenly poised but El Tri should be slightly favoured because they are used to the conditions and their new slick, free-flowing style under Herrera suits their players very much. Cameroon could use their power to get the better of the Mexicans but it will be a tough task because as they have shown in the past, Mexico are formidable opponents at the FIFA World Cup.
Players to Watch:
Cameroon – Samuel Eto’o, Alex Song and Jean Makoun
Mexico – Javier Hernandez, Giovanni dos Santos and Hector Herrera
Yashiema Love
Senior Contributor
GiveMeSport Writing Academy
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