ACTUALITE |
11.02.2005
Cameroon confident of World Cup campaign
wldcup.com
New Cameroon coach Artur Jorge, seen here in 1998, believes his side can win their remaining five qualifying matches to reach the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany.
The Portuguese saw his side beat Senegal 1-0 on his debut as Cameroon coach in an international friendly in Creteil in the Paris suburbs on Wednesday.
"I think we can win the five matches to qualify for 2006," he said after Chelsea midfielder Geremi snatched an 87th minute winner.
"This win does a lot of good after all the criticism we`ve taken," said Cameroon captain Rigobert Song. "It sets us up for a good run."
African champions in 2000 and 2002 and qualifers for the World Cup four consecutive times since 1990, Cameroon ruled the African football kingdom not so long ago.
But a quarter-final loss to Nigeria in the 2004 Nations Cup triggered a slump that has left them four points adrift of Ivory Coast at the halfway stage in the struggle for a place at the World Cup in Germany next year.
Cameroon crashed 3-0 away to Germany three months ago in their last friendly, a result that led to the sacking of German coach Winfried Schafer after chaotic preparations included a pre-match row over bonuses.
The Indomptable Lions resume their World Cup programme at home to Sudan next month.
Senegal coach Guy Stephan refused to be downhearted by the defeat.
"It was settled by the throw of a dice," he said.
"I`m not at all woried about qualifying. We`ll get to Germany."
Senegal`s Teranga Lions, who stunned defending champions France in the opening match and also upset Sweden before making a quarter-final exit at the 2002 World Cup, are top of their World Cup pool.
Bolton midfielder Khalilou Fadiga, recalled after a 19-month absence due to heart problems that threatened to end his career, had an encouraging return for Senegal.
"It was good to see him back in action, playing with such enthusiasm," said Stephan.
The 29-year-old Fadiga had an automatic defibrillator implanted in his chest last October.
|
|
Hits: 1 | Source:Autres | |
|
|
|
|
| |