PREVIEW: Cameroon vs Croatia

Jun 13, 2014; Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, BRAZIL; Mexico midfielder Andres Guardado (18) grabs the shirt of Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia (17) while battling for the ball during the first half of Mexico

How will Cameroon create their goals? That was the question raised by analysts and fans after Cameroon lost to Mexico 1-0 in a match that should have ended 3-0 if it weren’t for those controversial offside calls. Despite the close scoreline, the match didn’t look comptetitive at all as Mexico controlled possession for most of the game. Cameroon on the other hand struggled to connect passes and get creative in the final third of the field. A team whose midfield is primarily composed of ball holders and ball winners saw the worst case scenario come to life during the Mexico match and will look to improve their passing against their next opponent, Croatia.

Jun 12, 2014; Sao Paulo, BRAZIL; Croatia midfielder Ivan Perisic (4) takes a shot on goal in the second half against Brazil in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup at Arena Corinthians. Brazil defeated Croatia 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Contrary to Cameroon, Croatia are set in their midfield play thanks to the creative duo Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric, together known as Luvan Mokatic. Those two along with Ivan Perisic will look to help their team recover from their 3-1 loss to Brazil and carve up the suspect Cameroonian defense. This time Croatia will certainly be more dangerous than they were against Brazil thanks to the addition of Mario Mandkuzic who was absent last match due to suspension. Croatia knows they can compete with the best and will enter the match with confidence that Cameroon will be a piece of cake.

"Predicted Starting XICroatia: Pletikosa, Srna, Schildenfeld, Lovren, Vrsaljko, Modric, Rakitic, Perisic, Kovacic, Eduardo, MandkuzicCameroon: Itandje, Dejugoue, Chedjou, N’Koulou, Assou-Ekotto, Mbia, Song, Eyong, Moukandjo, Eto’o, Choupo-Moting"

Keys for Cameroon

– Focus on the counter-attack. Given the personnel on this squad, going for the counter-attack will be the wisest way to play against a deadly Croatia side that will be rejuvenated by the presence of Mandkuzic.

– Expose the wings. Croatia does not have solid fullbacks who can match the Cameroonian speed. Starting Vincent Aboubakar would have been a wiser decision than Eto’o in this match, but regardless they must utilize their speed on the flanks to expose Croatia.

– Communicate on the defensive end. Chedjou and N’Koulou will see a lot of brilliant passes enter the box towards Mandkuzic’s direction. The two center-backs will be responsible for organizing the backline and getting their teammates in the right position to prevent a Croatian goal. Any misunderstand and the Croatians will make them pay.

Keys for Croatia

– Slow the game down. Cameroon are incapable of playing at a slow tempo. Croatia have a plethora of composed midfielders who are capable of holding the ball and patiently waiting for passing options to open up. A slow pace will frustrate an impatient Cameroonian squad.

– Find the wingers. It’s likely that the Cameroonians will crowd the box to contain Mandkuzic, opening up space for Croatia’s flankers. Croatia’s wingers will ample opportunities to deliver a cross and dribble into the box and get a shot of their own.

– Focus. The backline must be weary of Cameroon’s capability of unleashing a quick counter-attack. More than staying in position, the defenders cannot take Cameroon’s poor creativity for granted and acknowledge the dangerous goalscorers playing up top. Contain the midfield and keep a man on Choupo-Moting or Eto’o and shutting down Cameroon will be a piece of cake.

Key Battles of the Match

– Luvan Mokatic vs Alex Song + Stephane Mbia – The Croatian creative duo will look to find Mandkuzic, Perisic, and Olic from deep. Standing in their way will be defensive midfielders Alex Song and Stephane Mbia. If Song and Mbia contain those two, Croatia will have a difficult time finding the back the net.

– Lovren vs Choupo-Moting – Choupo-Moting’s chances at goal will be rare and few. Regardless once he gets the ball in the box, Danijel Lovren will be standing in his way. Lovren must stay disciplined and stick on Choupo-Moting like glue while Choupo-Moting must use his speed to shake off his defender.

– Pletikosa vs Cameroon’s Forwards – Pletikosa must recover from that Brazil match and get his focus together. That penalty he conceded to Neymar should have been a save given that he got his hands there, but the past is the past. Pletikosa knows that he will be rarely tested, but when Cameroon gets the opportunity, he needs to play with confidence that disappeared in that Brazil match. A goal for Cameroon will be the end of Croatia’s World Cup chances.

"Staff Writer PredictionsYoung Kim: 2-0 Croatia. Cameroon’s backline is just too sloppy to shut down the Croatian midfield and attack. With Mandkuzic back on the squad, scoring goals will come more easily for the Croatian side.Charles Kim: No brainier game. Croatia got this game because Cameroon does not have enough creativity in the midfield against Croatia. Croatia should win this game without sweat. So 2-0 Croatia.Drew Thompson: 2-0 Croatia. They’ll bounce back well and will play far more organized and creatively than Cameroon. Plus they’ll have Mandzukic back as well…writing on the wall."