World Cup 2014 day two - Cameroon 0-1 Mexico

Day two is normally the first 'proper' day of the tournament, where the marathon, three games a day, group stages get underway. For a football obsessive like myself, even the most boring and low quality of world cup games must command all my attention. But I, and the rest of the world, were fortunate enough to be thrown up a treat as all three games were a great watch and one produced a truly shocking result that sent shockwaves throughout Brazil. But I chose the low-key game to write about, mainly from the viewpoint of the Cameroon side, because i'm contrarian.

Group A
Cameroon 0-1 Mexico

Certainly not one of the 'must see' games, but this match between two of the less fancied ties was an intriguing battle and the Mexicans will now feel very confident of qualifying ahead of the crunch game against Croatia. The game was played at a frantic pace throughout, but unfortunately the officials came to the fore again with a couple of dreadful errors. Giovani Dos Santos had the ball in the net twice (a superb left footed volley after a equally great cross from Herrera, and a header from a corner) but both were ruled out for offside. Even without the linesman's intervention, Mexico should have been ahead early on as Moreno and then Marquez both missed clear cut chances from set pieces. I was looking at this game from the African's point of view and the lack of marking and general disorganisation was alarming, there seemed to be no joined-up thinking.

But it wasn't all Mexico in the first period as Cameroon showed guts by winning the ball in midfield and using their wingers well to attack the Central Americans. The legendary Samuel Eto'o, captaining Cameroon and once again shouldering the goalscoring burden, missed a glorious chance after Assou-Ekotto skipped past two men, and then just before half time Eto'o headed over under little pressure after superb work from Mbia on the right. The missed chances meant the vultures in the Tv studio, on twitter, and no doubt the media in Cameroon circled round the former Barca and Inter man. I felt a bit sorry for Eto'o. Unlike so many African stars, he had never shirked the challenge of getting his nation through qualifying, had never given up, despite playing generally with team-mates a world away from what he was used to in his illustrious club career. And here he was in his fourth World Cup at 33, past his peak, still needed to spark his team in his international swansong. So you can forgive the odd inaccurate shot. Alas, he was double marked for most of the game, and in the second half barely had a kick.

The rain in Natal was helping the Mexicans get their passing game going, and the second half was completely dominated by them, with Hector Herrera in particular taking charge of the midfield, being a powerful physical presence. Cameroon's defence was under constant siege as lone striker Oribe Peralta hit straight at the 'keeper when one-on-one. A free kick from Assou-Ekotto floated wide after a deflection but that was all Cameroon could muster as Mexico increased the pressure, their 5-3-2 formation working perfectly. I was frustrated that Cameroon, after benefiting from large slices of luck regarding the officials, seemed wedded to one style, unwilling to change a set up that was clearly not helping them get control of the game. The momentum was heavy, and soon enough Mexico got their reward.

After a lovely move Dos Santos was played in by Herrera and despite his shot being saved by ex-Liverpool 'keeper Itandje, poacher supreme Peralta was on hand to sweep in and continue a remarkable recent scoring record, at the same time completely justifying his selection over Javier Hernandez. The Man Utd striker did come on late on, but when given a chance spooned his effort over from six yards. By that time, Cameroon were spent, and their last chance- a flick header from substitute Webo- was acrobatically saved by Ochoa as Mexico held on for a win, leaving Cameroon staring down yet another group stage elimination. The crowd, overwhelmingly Mexican, let out a huge cheer as the final whistle was blown, and the linesman must've been hugely relieved his two early errors didn't cost El Tri.

Player ratings:

Cameroon (4-3-3)
Itandje Did ok, made some decent saves, but a poor presence at set pieces. 6/10
Djeugoue (Nounkeu 45) Given the run around by Layun, no surprise he was replaced. 4/10
N'Koulou Horribly caught out of position for the goal, and lost Dos Santos too many times. 5/10
Chedjou Powerful in the air and decent on the ball, but lost his marker occasionally. 6/10
Assou-Ekotto Constantly wanted the ball, drove forward, passed well, fired crosses in, and showed character. 7/10
Song (Webo 79) Cameroon's other star didn't turn up. Kept things simple when his team needed his extra quality to unlock a strong Mexico team. Wasn't exactly poor, but didn't take responsibility. 6/10
Mbia Kept possession well, and was the one Cameroonian midfielder willing to join Eto'o and try and attack Mexico. Was fouled twice in key positions, and showed fight and energy all game. 7/10 
Enoh The holding midfielder tackled well and showed bite. 6/10
Moukandjo Cameroon's outball, the elusive dribbler caused problems in the first half, and was the only player on his team to actually successfully beat a couple of men. 7/10
Eto'o Had two difficult half chances and didn't take them, but worked hard throughout. Just couldn't get the ball, and needed more support. 6/10
Choupo-Moting The elegant Mainz winger looked good early on, then totally disappeared. 5/10
Subs:
Nounkeu Not much of an improvement on Djeugoue. Booked. 5/10
Webo Couldn't make much of an impact, but should've been subbed on earlier as a gamble. 5/10


Mexico (5-3-2)
Ochoa Commanding presence. 7/10
Aguilar Tireless runner off the ball, at right wing-back safe on it. 6/10
Rodríguez Strong centre-half didn't seem to make any big mistakes. 7/10
Márquez The veteran oozed class throughout in the middle of the back three, always keeping an eye on old team-mate Eto'o. Playing his fourth World Cup at 35. 7/10
Moreno finally booked in the second half after some meaty tackles were let go early on. 6/10
Layun Fantastic attacking option on left, always bombing forward and asking questions. 8/10
Herrera (Salcido 90+2) Ran the game in the second half. Mexico's midfield general was so powerful and never seemed to lose a duel, linking up well with second striker Dos Santos 8/10
Vázquez Kept it moving, did little else. 6/10
Guardado (Fabian 69) Plays like a budget Di Maria, his intelligence is best shown by his tactical nous. Always knew when to drift wide to support Layun, or to hold his position. 7/10
G dos Santos Robbed of two goals and seemed to sulk, but showed his quality. 7/10
Peralta (Hernandez 74) Much talked about before the game, delivered with the goal, celebrated with passion. 7/10
Subs:
Fabian Gifted schemer was a little off the pace at first but then pulled off some nice touches. 6/10
Hernandez As a United fan i was gutted he wasn't playing but you couldn't argue with Peralta's goal and performance, especially after Hernandez blew his own big chance. 5/10
Salcido Brought on to waste time. N/A

A comprehensive review of England's World Cup possibles and probables - Goalkeepers

Lo and behold, the greatest sporting event in the world is almost here. A world cup in Brazil fulfils all sorts of criteria and depressingly it will probably be the last truly enjoyable World Cup for a while. Without resorting to lazy national stereotypes, it is true that the majority of the tournament this summer will have a 'carnival' atmosphere, although the threat of protests, after some truly outstanding incompetence by the Brazilian authorities, will never be too far away. Regardless, I for one am immensely excited for it and so the next question is, how will England do?

Most people would say 'badly' as their answer, and they are perfectly entitled to do so after the draw gave us the very real scenario of not making it out the group. But still the debates rage on as to the 23 men representing us in South America, and Roy Hodgson will be praying no more key players succumb to injury like Theo Walcott did.

Given that the world and its wife has an opinion on who should be on the plane, I thought I would add my thoughts to the most talked about topics. Raheem Sterling or Andros Townsend? Ashley Cole or Luke Shaw? Wayne Rooney or Bobby Zamora? All these questions and more shall be answered, firstly with the keepers.

Goalkeepers

Joe Hart
Background: England's best keeper by a country mile, a supremely confident and agile shot stopper with a real presence between the posts. Communication and speed off the line are just two of the attributes where he ranks among the very best. Collects crosses badly, has average at best distribution and doesn't convince commanding his area at set pieces half of the time, but still our finest keeper since David Seaman.
England Form: It really doesn't matter. Honestly. Hart could chuck the ball in the Man City net 8 times per game for the rest of the season and still make it as first choice. And to be fair to him, he has recovered from his terrible 2012-2013 season to get back to near enough his peak.
Press Perception: One of the best keepers in the world. Occasionally a liability, either way, probably the member of the side who has the most confidence of making the team.
Average Fan Perception: The best we've got. Pretty good, considering.
Twitter Perception: HE DID AN ADVERT FOR HEAD AND SHOULDERS #LOL

Ben Foster
Background: A solid performer for West Brom, his self imposed exile from England duty seemingly ended as soon as his club boss was put in charge of the national team. His injury absence this season is seen as a key reason for the Baggies sub-par performances this season.
England Form: Non-existent. He's almost 31 and yet only has 6 caps to his name. Has only played once for the three lions since 2010- the second half in a friendly against Ireland. Suppose he doesn't have a Rob Green style moment at least.
Press Perception: The second choice, mainly because of Nepotism.
Average Fan Perception: Used to be at United, so half decent. Bit of a dick for 'Retiring'.
Twitter Perception: Doesn't nearly have enough #bantz.

Fraser Forster
Background: A 6ft 7in giant of the Celtic goal famous for some titanic performances in two consecutive seasons in the Champions League. Recently broke a clean sheets record. Remains unproven at the top level week in week out and is not the most agile of keepers. Roy doesn't get to see him that often.  His trump card over goalkeepers like Ruddy is that no one really checked his form week in week out.
England Form: Has only made one appearance so far in a 2-0 loss to Chile, too early to judge.
Press Perception: A great young keeper, proven at the highest level, why does he have so few caps?
Average Fan Perception: Plays in League Two for most of the year, then makes great saves from Messi and Iniesta, not quite sure what to think. Needs to play in The Greatest League In The World.
Twitter Perception: OMG look at this Vine of his great save from Neymar!!!!!!! #RESPECT


Jack Butland
Background: Precocious young keeper who leapt into the national consciousness as the third keeper for Euro 2012 after John Ruddy was forced to pull out of the original squad. Made his England debut before his Birmingham one, and his move to Stoke in January 2013 was seen as a good move. But Asmir Begovic surprisingly stayed, meaning Butland has had to be loaned out to get game time. Just turned 21.
England Form: Has played just the once for the Three Lions, the first half in a friendly win over Italy.
Press Perception: The long-term no.1.
Average Fan Perception: If he's that good, shouldn't he be doing better?
Twitter Perception: Why hasn't he signed for myyyy team?!?!

No one else has any chance of making the squad, so barely warrant a mention. Looking at you, John Ruddy.

After writing this, i'm starting to think this would be pretty boring to read. So for the other positions watch this space... or not.

Thanks for reading.