Cameroon vs Netherlands 2010

Friday, 28th May 2010 at 12:10pm

The Cameroon v Netherlands match in Group E promises to be one of the most colourful matches of the tournament in the stands, given the respective national kits of the two countries.

Supporters of African sides are renowned for the colour they bring to any occasion, while the florescent orange of the Dutch national side is a welcome addition to any competition.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon made their World Cup debut in 1982, losing all three matches, but it wasn't until 1990 when they made their mark on the world stage, beating Argentina in the group stage and coming within a whisker of knocking England out to reach the semi finals.

Since then, despite boasting a number of talented players, Cameroon has failed to progress past the group stages.

On African soil for the first time, the Indomitable Lions will be hoping to take advantage of a reasonable draw to reach the round of 16 for the first time in 20 years.

A lot of the team's success will depend on the form of Samuel Eto'o, the team's star striker and one world class performer, but if the team can get off to a good start against Japan in their first match, then qualification is possible.

Eto'o is likely to be joined on the field in South Africa by a number of other players from top teams around Europe including Sebastian Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto of Tottenham, Alexander Song of Arsenal in midfield, Stephane Mbia of Marseille and Jean Makoun of Champions League semi finalists Lyons, who will form the basis of a competent team.

Their last match of the group will see Cameroon take on the Netherlands, favourites to top the group after a flawless qualifying campaign, which saw them pick up eight wins out of eight.

Despite being one of the most talented national teams, the Dutch have often flattered to deceive at the World Cup, outside of reaching back-to-back finals in the 1970s.

Coach Bert van Marwijk has a talented squad to call upon, particularly in midfield and up front where he can field the likes of Wesley Schneider, Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van Persie, Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Arjen Robben.

The Oranje might seem slightly weaker at the back than some of their other highly favoured teams, due to a lack of recognised top class defenders, but their back five conceded just twice in the eight qualifying matches and should prove to be too much for the African side.

If Cameroon need a result against Holland to qualify for the round of 16, it is hard to see them getting one due to the strength of the Dutch line up, but should the Indomitable Lions start well then they have a chance of reaching the second round.

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