Cameroon World Cup Betting Preview

Cameroon odds and free bets for 2010 World Cup

Cameroon are the top ranked African team according to the FIFA world rankings. After a disappointing African Cup of Nations in which at the start they were amongst the favourites however they were knocked out by Egypt at the Quarter Final stage. The disappointing Cup of Nations campaign has caused fans to question whether or not the Cameroonians will make an impact in South Africa.

Despite the disappointments of late; Cameroon are the African team with the most appearances in World Cup finals, five in total. The 1990 finals in Italy saw Cameroon reach the Quarter Finals, this feat has only been achieved by one African team since; Senegal in 2002. However since 1990, the last three finals have seen Cameroon fail to qualify from the group stage and only winning one match. Cameroon have every chance of qualifying for the knockout stages after being placed in Group E along with the Netherlands, Denmark and Japan. Betfair offer the best odds at 5/1 for Cameroon winning the group and 6/5 for group qualification. The shortest odds for a Cameroon triumph are offered by coral at 66/1, Paddy Power offer more attractive odds at 80/1.

Cameroon qualified for South Africa with relative ease despite a slow start to their qualification campaign. After the disappointment of gaining only one point form the opening two matches Cameroon won each of the next four qualifying matches and only conceded two goals.

Cameroon have a strong squad with several very talented and experienced players.  Inter Milan striker Samuel Eto’o is known for his prolific form at former club Barcelona, he is priced at 66/1 by Coral to be the tournament’s top goal scorer.  If on form when June comes around this is a real possibility (the striker scored nine goals in eleven qualifying matches. )If on form when June comes around this is a real possibility. Other key players include Arsenal’s midfielder Alexandre Song and Tottenham Hotspur’s forward thinking left back Benoit Asso Ekotto who will be looking to get forward whenever possible to assist the attack.

Former Lyon and Rangers coach Paul Le Guen is now in charge of Cameroon. His no nonsense approach has helped the team massively; this includes replacing long term captain Rigobert Song with Samuel Eto’o. With a strong coach at the helm Cameroon have every possibility of matching their 1990 campaign.

Recommended bets: It is unlikely that Cameroon will manage to win the tournament ahead of teams such as Spain and Brazil but it is a good bet that Cameroon will be the African team that gets the furthest. The best odds for this is offered by Bet365 at 6/1.

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