ACTUALITE |
17.11.2004
Cameroon seek revenge
After a 2002 World Cup loss to Germany, Cameroon seek revenge against the European side on Wednesday.
Germany defeated The Indomitable Lions in the group stages of the competition and went on to reach the finals.
In contrast, Cameroon were eliminated in the first round.
Defender Bill Tchato has not forgotten the team`s disappointing performance in Japan and hopes the game in Leipzig will enable the Lions restore some pride.
"Our fans hope that we can win and avenge our defeat in the World Cup," said Tchato.
"But I would rather have won then and lose on Wednesday."
German coach Jurgen Klinsmann hopes an inexperienced German backline can shackle Barcelona`s in-form striker Samuel Eto`o Fils.
The German defensive quartet have just 16 caps between them, while Cameroon captain Rigobert Song has 89.
While Cameroon may have all the experience, their lack of match practice could be a problem.
Chelsea`s Geremi and Manchester United`s Eric Djemba-Djemba - major players in the Central African side - have become peripheral figures at their clubs.
Suggestions that this match would be a routine friendly were quashed by the Indomitable Lions coach Winfried Schaefer, who was touted as a candidate for the German post following Rudi Voller`s resignation.
"I think this game will mean a lot for myself and Klinsmann," he said.
"For Jurgen, it is a chance to test his side against an African team.
"The likelihood of Germany meeting an African side in the 2006 World Cup is very high."
Schaefer will be looking for a good performance to silence the critics that have criticised his management style in recent months.
He was forced to change the squad for Wednesday`s match by government officials, while fans and the media have been calling for his resignation.
The 2002 World Cup duel was a heated affair, with 16 bookings and two sendings off.
A repeat would be unthinkable in a warm-up game.
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Hits: 1 | Source:BBC | |
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