Cameroon
Introduction
The green, lion-patterned stain on one of the best World Cups in living memory, the summer of 2014 is but a distant memory for this Cameroon side, now looking in their best shape for about half a decade.
Cut loose from their Samuel Eto’o-styled corset, this team has been allowed to breathe again without fear of backlash from their former talisman, and are truly riding the wave of freedom towards Malabo. Topping probably the toughest group of the qualifiers without losing a single game, they were solid and consistent, remaining well-drilled at the back and effective at the front throughout. Conceding just a single goal in six games – coming in a 4-1 win over free-scoring continental giants Ivory Coast – they went about this business in an unflashy, comprehensive manner.
Unburdened by a single star player, confidence has been liberally distributed throughout the team, also aided by the widespread revamp which has occurred throughout the squad. Gone are the disinterested and the troublemakers like Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Alex Song and Joel Matip; in are the lesser-known, young and motivated. Young forward Clinton N’Jie has been unstoppable, Barcelona youth academy keeper Fabrice Ondoa has been assured, as such entrants compliment what positives remained from the Brazil fiasco. No longer saddled by the negative team atmosphere, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Choupo-Moting, Nicholas N’Koulou and others have thrived under the responsibility as senior members of the squad, in a transition that has been phenomenally managed by manager Volker Finke. The Indomitable Lions are working their way back to the top of the food chain.
has been assured, as such entrants compliment what positives remained from the Brazil fiasco. No longer saddled by the negative team atmosphere, Vincent Aboubakar, Eric Choupo-Moting, Nicholas N’Koulou and others have thrived under the responsibility as senior members of the squad, in a transition that has been phenomenally managed by manager Volker Finke. The Indomitable Lions are working their way back to the top of the food chain.
The Framework
Despite the horror show that ensued in South America, Cameroon have remained faithful to their tactical set-up, as they seemingly have managed to recruit the players to allow it to successfully function. Playing a primarily counter-attacking game, they look to their frontline to flood forward with great haste, with the backline holding firm in the face of the opposition’s offence. Whilst in theory is a 4-3-3 formation, the flexibility of the front four can see it morph into a 4-2-2-2, with the foremost central-midfielder joining the Vincent Aboubakar up front – with N’Jie, Choupo-Moting or Benjamin Moukandjo all able to fulfill this role.