World Cup guide - Cameroon

Quarter-finalists in 1990 - when they were beaten in extra time by England - Cameroon failed to qualify for the last World Cup and have not progressed beyond the group stage since that memorable run to the last eight in Italy 20 years ago. They looked like missing out on this World Cup prior to the appointment of Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who inherited a side that had lost to Togo in the opening match of their second qualifying phase and had only one point after their first two games.

They have players of pedigree like captain Samuel Eto'o and Arsenal midfielder Alex Song, but defensive lapses remain a serious worry and were evident during a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign in January, when they were eliminated by the eventual winners Egypt in the quarter-finals. Le Guen is hopeful that Tottenham full-back Benoit Assou-Ekotto, who missed that tournament, will help shore up Cameroon's back four.

Aim: Second round is a possibility in a group featuring the Netherlands, Denmark and Japan. Will hope to beat the Japanese in their Group E opener and take things from there.

SAMUEL ETO'O Cameroon's captain, talisman, all-time top scorer and most famous player, Eto'o - three-times African Footballer of the Year - will carry his nation's hopes on his shoulders in South Africa. After a superb spell with Barcelona, he picked up his third Champions League winners' medal with Inter Milan last season.

STEPHANE MBIA Strong and athletic and can play in midfield or defence, Mbia won the French title last season in his first year with Marseille, who paid Rennes just over £10m for him in 2009. He has boldly predicted that this World Cup will be won by an African side.

JEAN MAKOUN Scored a brilliant winner for Lyon as the French side knocked big-spending Real Madrid out of last season's Champions League on their way to the semi-finals. Has been to the last four Africa Cup of Nations' and was below par in the last two tournaments.

PAUL LE GUEN

Turned around Cameroon's qualification campaign after stripping Rigobert Song of the captaincy and handing it to Samuel Eto'o. Le Guen's 4-3-3 formation has also helped to galvanise the Indomitable Lions, whose brand of attacking football could make them an exciting team to watch in South Africa.

Often great going forward but careless at the back, Cameroon could be one of the most exciting teams to watch in this tournament.

How Cameroon qualified for the World Cup (UK only)

W 2-0 Cape Verde Is. (H)
W 3-0 Mauritius (A)
D 0-0 Tanzania (A)
W 2-1 Tanzania (H)
W 2-1 Cape Verde Is. (A)
W 5-0 Mauritius (H)
L 1-0 Togo (A)
D 0-0 Morocco (H)
W 2-0 Gabon (A)
W 2-1 Gabon (H)
W 3-0 Togo (H)
W 2-0 Morocco (A)
Finished top of Group 1

1990: Following a shock opening win over Argentina, a Roger Milla-inspired team were within eight minutes of the semi-finals before Gary Lineker's penalty took the tie to extra time and England eventually prevailed.

Written by David McIntyre

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