CAMEROON’S Indomitable Lions look set to feast on struggling Japan this afternoon.
The nation that thrilled the world with the emerging power of African soccer by reaching the quarter-finals in the 1990 tournament have not been on such great form in recent years.
But spearheaded by striker Samuel Eto’o, they have rediscovered their roar under coach Paul Le Guen and will carry the hopes of many people not just in Cameroon but across the African continent.
Japan are putting on a brave face but they have struggled to score and look destined to be the supporting cast in Group E.
The partnership of Jean Makoun and Alexandre Song in central midfield will also be crucial if Cameroon are to repeat former glories.
Struggling Japan have failed to win a World Cup match on foreign soil and are desperate to find their scoring touch. Fans of the Blue Samurai will place their hopes on attacking midfielder Keisuke Honda, who might even be used as a striker.
Midfielder Makoto Hasebe acknowledged the lack of firepower is a problem.
Japan qualified in style behind Australia in the Asia/Oceania group but will find the power and pace of Cameroon, Denmark and Netherlands a different ball game to facing the likes of Qatar and Uzbekistan.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)