Matchday 2 Preview Cameroon vs Mexico

Match day 2 of the 2014 World Cup features 3 games, at 11:00 Mexico takes on Cameroon, at 2:00 Spain plays the Netherlands, and at 5:00 Chile and Australia take the field (all times are CST).

Mexico vs Cameroon

Mexico and Cameroon both a vying for the number 2 spot in group A; whoever loses this game will have almost no chance at reaching the next round of the competition. Most people, including me, have Mexico beating Cameroon today, but I don't believe it will be an easy match against a hungry Cameroon side.

Mexico put their fans through torture during their qualification campaign for this world cup. After failing to solidify their spot in the field, they put their fate in the USA's hands. If the US had lost to Panama in their final qualifying game, Mexico would, remarkably, not be at the world cup. This Mexican team is not the same one that has dominated North America in previous years. It is a team in disarray. They struggle to score goals and in the last couple years they have put in more than their fair share of lack luster performances. Despite their troubles, the 20th ranked team in the world, might just be getting together at the right time. They have looked increasingly more like a team that can create problems for their opponents, but does that danger translate to goals? We'll see.

Cameroon has been pegged as their worst team out of those in group A. The 56th ranked team in the world is making their 7th world cup appearance. They, like Mexico, made it difficult for themselves to qualify for the cup. They needed to win a 1 game, winner take all playoff game against Tunisia, in order to qualify. They may be one of the better African teams in the tournament, but if you asked me to pick an African team to make a run, I'd stay far away from them. They are a team with internal disputes and a lack of leadership. Not a great combination heading into a world cup.

Players to Watch:

Mexico

Giovani Dos Santos (Foward) - This quick footed, creative player will be looking to ignite the Mexican offense, which has failed to impress in their World Cup tune-up games.

Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez (Foward) - Hernandez is starting this game on the bench, but for his club team he is a goalscoring machine off of the bench. He is Mexico's most recognizable player and will look to give a spark off the bench.

Cameroon

Alex Song (Midfielder) - Song is the man who will run the show for Cameroon. He gets little playing time for his club team, Barcelona, but he is a different player for his country. He will be the player with the most influence over his team's performance.

Samuel Eto'o (Foward) - He is the leader of the strike force for Cameroon, and possibly their greatest player ever. But at the age of 33 does he still have the ability to score goals on the world stage?

Game Prediction:

This game is the most difficult to call in my opinion. Both teams are extremely inconsistent, and they both play different styles of football. Mexico is quick footed and will look to dribble and flop their way to a win. Cameroon are a fast and physical team. I think Mexico will pull it together and take this game and all 3 points.

Score Prediction:

Mexico 2 Cameroon 1