Ageing Eto’o still main hope for Indomitable Lions

Cameroon enter their seventh World Cup finals – the most appearances by an African nation – but have only managed to progress past the group stages just once. They are odds-on at 1/7 to exit at the first hurdle again, or 9/2 to repeat their quarter-finals elimination achievement at Italia 90.

The Indomitable Lions have been placed in Group A for this tournament, along with hosts and competition favourites Brazil, as well as Mexico and Croatia. They are outsiders both to win their pool at 25/1 and qualify at 4/1.

Undoubtedly, the star of the nation is Chelsea striker and Cameroon captain Samuel Eto’o. Although he is in his latter years and this is highly likely to be the 33-year-old’s last World Cup finals, he is the main hope for his country.

The former Barcelona and Inter Milan player has been in inconsistent form this season for his current club, having netted nine times in 21 games. However, he is leading marksman for Cameroon with 55 goals in 112 caps, and is priced with Coral at 200/1 to be tournament top scorer.

National coach Volker Finke has tinkered with his starting XI and formations, changing between variations of 4-3-3 and 4-3-1-2 lineups.

Eto’o should lead at the top in whatever formation his German coach decides, with Pierre Webo of Fenerbahce his likely partner if two are paired up front.

If a sole striker is used, however, then two of Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy) or Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Mainz) will be used out on the wings.

Forward positions are still up for grabs, though, with veteran Mohammadou Idrissou (Kaiserslautern) and 17-year-old prospect Fabrice Olinga (on loan at Zulte Waregem from Malaga) vying for a spot on the plane.

The midfield positions are more assured, as former Arsenal star Alex Song (now at Barcelona) has partnered ex-Aston Villa’s Jean Makoun (Rennes) and Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor) in five of Finke’s seven lineups since the coach took over the role. Despite the former duo been used in advanced positions on the odd occasion, the country certainly lacks in that area.