The two losers from last week’s Group A play meet today. Cameroon, who got blown off the field by Mexico on Friday but were treated to a flattering 1-0 scoreline by a sympathetic linesman, aren’t favored against the Croatians, who were better against Brazil than the 3-1 defeat suggests. Elimination awaits today’s losers.
What’s At Stake
Both of these teams have zero points, while both Mexico and Brazil have four. A loss today eliminates either side, while a win essentially lets either side “control its own destiny” by requiring only a win next week. Unfortunately for Cameroon, it’s hard to control anything against Brazil, whom the Africans will play in the final group match. Cameroon need a win today. If they don’t get it (and they probably won’t), next week’s Croatia vs. Mexico match will decide the second qualifier from this group A.
Croatia were much more dependent on wide play than I expected in the match against Brazil on Friday. That may have been because of the tendency of Brazil’s attack-minded fullbacks, Dani Alves and Marcelo, to get caught high up the pitch. But it’s also worth noting that Cameroon were especially vulnerable to crosses from wide positions in their defeat to Mexico. With the powerful Mario Mandzukic returning to the Croatia side, the Europeans might see wing play as the key to the game. Ironically, that will make the central attacking midfield role of Luka Modric (pictured above) even more important, as the onus will fall on him and Ivan Rakitic to distribute the ball to Ivica Olic and Ivan Perisic on the wings. Modric plays this role at club level for Real Madrid, and should thrive today. He’s Croatia’s man to watch.
Cameroon must keep their shape well and especially stay home in the fullback positions, where Cedric Djeugoue and especially Benoit Assou-Ekotto were exposed by Mexico’s wingbacks. Assou-Ekotto is very tricky, which tends to work against him because he can’t seem to convince himself that he’s supposed to pass the ball to other players and let them attack while he defends. Croatia could exploit this weakness today.
Derek Rae and Kasey Keller. Rae has been steady throughout the tournament, shining especially in the Nigeria vs. Iran match, a dreary match and broadcast in which he was essentially the only bright spot. Kasey Keller avoided the Korean-name missteps I predicted in his last match by remaining almost completely silent throughout the match. Both should be on their games today – Rae from relief at not having to watch Iran anymore, and Keller from the fire his producer must have lit under his arse in last night’s debriefing.
Match-specific Drinking Games
Whoops: Drink whenever a referee misses an offside decision, or clearly misses any other call. How drunk? If the officials are as firmly pro-Cameroon/anti-Croatia as they were last week, this will get ugly.
Missing Star: Drink whenever a commentator misses the injured Samuel Eto’o. Bonus shot if his image appears onscreen. How drunk? Decent buzz, if only because he’s probably the only Cameroon player Kasey knows.
Under Fire: Have a sip whenever Croatia fire in a cross. How drunk? As woozy as the Cameroonian defenders constantly heading the ball clear.
Cameroon: Afofo. Still haven’t quite worked out what this is. Enjoy!
Croatia: Slivovitz. Did you finish the batch you started making during Thursday’s game?
For more:
– Read my general World Cup watching guide.
– Check out Zonal Marking, my favorite tactics website.
– See a commentary schedule or a review of each commentator.
– See where I’m getting my national drink recommendations.
– Check out other match previews from this group: Brazil vs. Mexico, Brazil vs. Croatia, Mexico vs. Cameroon
Picture credit: yanksarecoming.com
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