Mercurial Mexico host a troubled Cameroon in the sides’ World Cup Group A opener in Natal on Friday looking to take the first step towards an eventual first appearance in the quarter-finals in nearly 30 years.
Now coached by colourful Miguel Herrera, who missed out on playing for Mexico at USA ‘94 after being dropped for punching a photographer, Mexico have in recent editions failed to live up to expectations.
In the past five tournaments the Aztecs have failed to get to the ‘fifth game’ and make the quarter-finals they last reached as hosts in 1986.
Critics would argue Mexico should feel lucky to be in Brazil at all.
After a tortuous qualifying campaign, Herrera was parachuted in for a two-legged play-off against New Zealand, which the central Americans won 9-3 on aggregate.
Like Mexico, Cameroon endured a tough qualifying campaign that again underlined the central African country’s reputation for internal strife.
Much of that in recent years has revolved around superstar Samuel Eto’o, whom the Cameroon federation once issued with a lengthy ban.
Although Cameroon possess class midfielders in the shape of Alex Song and Enoh Eyong, all eyes will likely be glued on Chelsea striker Eto’o -- a four-time African Player of the Year who will be appearing in his fourth finals. “He is an experienced player and a handful to deal with,” said Brazil skipper Thiago Silva.
Midfielder Stephane M’Bia, fresh from Europa League triumph with Spanish side Sevilla, insisted, “Four years ago we were catastrophic. The mood in the camp wasn’t good, there were a lot of problems.
“But this time that’s not the case. We’ll be making our mark on this tournament.”
