Cameroon's Fighting Spirit
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Geremi, the Cameroon defender, believes that Africa's experienced World Cup campaigners will turn on the style in this summer's tournament.
Cameroon are the highest-ranked African team and the continent's most successful, reaching the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals and now preparing for their sixth appearance in the sport's showpiece event. "The difference between us and some other African teams is our mentality and fighting spirit, like our emblem the lion," Geremi said.
"We have a lot of players in Europe playing in big teams. Other teams in Africa do too, but it is important to have good players, good mentality and the ability to play together."
Geremi, who has played for Real Madrid, Chelsea and Newcastle United, arrived at Ankaragucu in January hoping to play regularly and increase his chances of making the World Cup squad. Cameroon have come under fire for some unusual strips over the years - sleeveless vests, eye-wateringly tight tops and a one-piece outfit have all featured - and the defender admitted that their 2010 addition will boost the nation's chances of lifting the World Cup.
"Feeling comfortable is the most important thing of course," the 31-year-old, who plays for Turkish club Ankaragucu, said.
"So long as people are comfortable why not experiment. I think there will be a surprise in South Africa, but I'm also hoping we surprise with our results not just the kit." Cameroon wore a one-piece kit in their traditional colours of green and red for three group matches and the quarter-final of the 2004 African Nations Cup but FIFA said it broke the rules. They were fined and docked six World Cup qualifying points, a punishment which was later reversed.
The Indomitable Lions also caused controversy in 2002, turning up for that year's African Nations Cup in Mali in sleeveless shirts which looked more like basketball tops. They were also swiftly banned by FIFA. More here
posted @ 1:35 PM,
0 Comments:
Post a Comment