Mexico and Cameroon kick off a bumper second day of World Cup action, with both sides knowing a win is crucial if they’re to have any chance of progression from Group A. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 2:00 am (AEST).
The two underdogs of Group A have both dragged themselves to Brazil, with Mexico having to see off New Zealand in a two-legged play-off and Cameroon eventually getting on the plane after a disagreement over player payments.
The similarities continue as the quarterfinal stage is the farthest both countries have progressed in the competition.
For Mexico of late it has been a tale of four attackers: former Gunner and Real Sociedad star Carlos Vela is absent again having turned his back on the national team.
Giovanni dos Santos has had a fantastic season with La Liga outfit Villarreal, while Oribe Peralta has scored eight in his last six competitive games for the national team.
This partnership looks set to headline the attack with Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez likely having to settle, as usual, for a place on the bench.
It has been a turbulent time also for the el Tricolor manager position, with boss Miguel Herrera only having overseen two competitive matches thus far.
Cameroon’s form has been satisfactory heading into Brazil, having held Germany to a 2-2 draw and seen off Moldova 1-0.
German manager Volker Finke will be relying on star man Samuel Eto’o to provide the goals, the 33-year-old looking to prove he is young as ever.
Alex Song and Benoit Assou-Ekotto are other familiar faces in a squad that is hoping to improve the Indomitable Lions’ dismal record in recent World Cup finals campaigns, having won just one of their last 13 matches.
History is on Cameroon’s side, with Mexico having never knocked off an African team at the finals, although el Tricolor shaded the pair’s only meeting to date 1-0.
Despite injuries to key midfielders Juan Carlos Medina and Luis Montes, Mexico should have enough firepower to see them through 2-1.
Johnno
Guest
NZ All Whites done now cameroon done by the Mexicans.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
one hour of sleep till the next game now
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
Cheers! Was great having you guys on board throughout. Very happy with that match, not a glamour tie but thoroughly entertaining
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Great call Lou - you picked a good game - well done
Mister Football
Roar Guru
one game down two more to go we can do it amigos! stay strong guts and determination!
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
FT: That’s it! Mexico 1 Cameroon 0 You feared it was going to be one of those days for Mexico, who set out from the beginning to attack but were unfairly disallowed two goals for offside before the heavens opened up over Natal. Giovanni Dos Santos found the net on both those occasions and was a constant threat throughout the match, but it was Mexico’s in-form striker Oribe Peralta with the crucial goal in the second half, again resulting from the initial shot by Dos Santos. On that showing you’d have to say el Tri are in with a real shout to progress along with Brazil. Some wonderful incisive football exhibited throughout. Another disappointing showing from Cameroon who were probably lucky to only lose by the one goal. Stay tuned for Spain and Netherlands!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
what a game by Dos Santos great stuff from Mexico deserved win
RBBAnonymous
Guest
FT a very nice game in pretty sodden and wet conditions. Pitch played well. Mexico deserved more. I thought they were brilliant.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Mexico win!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
less than a minute now hold on Mexico!
Mister Football
Roar Guru
that should have been a foul to Mexico!
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
93' Hernandez's volley somehow misses the target from six yards out after a pinpoint cross found the United striker unmarked Mexico 1 Cameroon 0
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Golden chance missed by Hernandez.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Salcido on for Herrera will play as a holding mid Hernandez misses from close range!
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Free header. Great ball. Good save Ochoa. A bit more power and who knows.
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
91' Moukandjo's header from Assou-Ekotto's cross is well held by Ochoa. Could be Cameroon's last chance Mexico 1 Cameroon 0
Mister Football
Roar Guru
good header and save! that might have been their best chance
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Cameroon starting to just put the ball into the box may as well
Lou Verga
Roar Pro
87' Cameroon get in behind through Moukandjo, but his cut-back his cleared in the nick of time Mexico 1 Cameroon 0
RBBAnonymous
Guest
Mexico knows that Croatia will need to score a few against Cameroon. It could come down to goal difference. I have a feeling Mexico vs Croatia will be critical. Mexico probably deserve 3-0 in this game, no disrespect to Cameroon. And as I write this Cameroon almost equalized.