Cameroon v Saudi Arabia, Thu 6 June 10am BST.

[Monarch]

Saudi Arabia are expected to shake up their side for this second group game as they seek to regain some respect following their 8-0 humiliation by Germany.

Captain Sami Al-Jaber, the most experienced outfield player in the squad, is doubtful with an ankle injury.

If he is not fit, then Abdullah Jumaan, who played the last 13 minutes of the Germany game, is the most likely replacement.

Saudi coach Nasser Al-Johar may also make changes to his defence and Fouzi Al-Shehri, who turned 22 last month, is likely to start.

But it is the midfield which is set for the biggest shake-up after Saturday's rout.

Youngster Mohammad Al-Shlhoub, the left winger known as "Baby Maradona" in Saudi Arabia, and defensive midfielder Omar Al-Ghamdi could start at the expense of Khamis Al-Owairan and Abdallah Al-Waked.

Al-Johar is expected to stick with goalkeeper Mohammed Al-Deayea, despite looking out of his depth on Saturday.

The coach insisted the 29-year-old "remains one of the most talented guardians in Asia."

In contrast, Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer is expected to stick with the team that started against Ireland.

Schafer said: "There is no reason to talk about making changes because what happened against Ireland was not the fault of any one particular player."

Samuel Eto'o and Patrick Mboma will again lead the attack charged with following Germany's feat of hitting eight past the hapless Saudis.



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MATCH PREVIEW STATISTICS

AAC - Afro-Asian Cup 1985
F = Friendly International


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FIXTURE HISTORY

DATE COMP MATCH RESULT
12 Oct 1982 F Saudi A 0-0 Cameroon
01 Jan 1985 AAC Cameroon 4-1 Saudi A
01 Jan 1985 AAC Saudi A 2-1 Cameroon
15 Sep 1985 F Cameroon 4-1 Saudi A
04 Oct 1985 F Saudi A 2-1 Cameroon
06 Oct 1992 F Saudi A 2-1 Cameroon

 

[Monarch]

Cameroon midfielder Lauren has claimed that his team's World Cup chances have been hampered by their "terrible" preparations.

The Arsenal player criticised the African champions' organisation and the travel chaos that delayed the team's arrival in Japan by five days.

"The way we travelled here was terrible," he said ahead of Cameroon's second group E game against Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

"The way that we prepared wasn't good enough for a tournament at the highest level like the World Cup."

The 25-year-old said he did not yet want to apportion blame for the travel fiasco, which saw the squad delayed in both Paris and Thailand on their way out to the Far East.

But he hinted that the organisation supporting the side was not up to scratch.

"Around the team (it) is terrible.

"At the highest level you must prepare for the World Cup in a different way if you want to do something. It's just not good enough.

"When we get to the end of this tournament we will say something, but not yet."

Lauren added that the problems had brought the squad closer together.

But he warned that Saudi Arabia's smarting pride after their 8-0 humiliation by Germany could make them dangerous opposition.

"It's going to be difficult because they lost on Saturday," he said. "If they lose they will go out. They need the points.

"It may be dangerous to play them now, they are on fire after losing 8-0. They want to show everybody they can win again."

 

[Monarch]

I haven't searched around to much yet but the Over 2.5 seems to be hanging around the -188/1.53 mark. I really cannot see another 8-0, but this game still should produce at least 4 goals. Anyone have any thoughts as to why this may not go over? Cameroon are at least Germanys equal and although they may not be as efficient should still roll this feeble Saudi side over.

 

[KsYaS]

Monarch I think the only way to go is Cameroon!


Javier

 

[1837]

That's a good point Monarch, i haven't though about the total of that game but it is clear in my mind it should hit the over pretty easily! I'm bitting BIG!!!!

OVER 2.5 GOALS -188 bet365 (2 units)

 

[Galileio]

I do think saudi will be up for it but i'm afraid it is not gonna be enough to stop cameroon scoring at least 3!!

 

[Monarch]

Saudi are by far the worst team at the World Cup (bar Portugal ) and I really cannot see what they could possibly have done in the past few days to improve that much. The team is physically weak, appaulingly disorganised, has pathetic defensive/attacking capability and is totally incapable of defending crosses. In saying that they should come out with a little more heart/pride in this game and will probably avoid a similair thrashing. The way the group is shaping up goal difference may well be the deciding factor between Cam/Ire/Ger. This I hope will give added impetus for Cameroon to go after the Saudis.

Over 2.5 goals 8/15 (-188) @ Bet365 2.5 Units.

 

[KsYaS]

Playing with some numbers:

Cameroon is thinking in the calification, thay need to put a lot of goals Vs Saudi Arabia, just by two things: Germany do it, and Ireland should do it to.

Cameroon should win to search a draw Vs Germany and to be a contendent to the calification.

Conclusion:

Cameroon to Win

Over


good luck


later



Javier