Concerns are growing over the suitability of the Arena das Dunas for Friday’s Group A match between Mexico and Cameroon after the stadium failed a safety inspection.
While organisers have guaranteed that the stadium is all but finished, firefighters in Natal have so far been unable to visit the site meaning a safety certicificate has not been passed.
The Arena das Dunas was one of three stadiums FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke expressed concern over last month, claiming the stadium had a “race against time” to be ready for the World Cup.
It has only added to the chaos enveloping Cameroon’s preparation as the Indomitable Lions only landed in Brazil on Monday, due to a disagreement with the national federation over bonus payments.
Cameroon have had just four days to acclimatise to conditions in South America but coach Volker Fink played down the issue, saying: “There’s no point making such a big fuss out of the whole thing. It’s really not as big as has been made out.”
Cameroon’s three-man attack will have to find a way past experienced Mexico centre-back Rafael Marquez who is appearing in his fourth World Cup.
Marquez remains an important leader for Mexico and coach Miguel Herrera says his presence is of huge benefit to the squad.
“Bringing Rafael Marquez along has had an important impact on the lads, he’s someone his team-mates have a lot of respect for, he’s a natural leader,” said Herrera.
Marquez is set to extend his record 12 World Cup appearances for his country if he is selected to face Cameroon on Friday.
LIKELY LINE-UPS
Mexico (3-5-2)
Ochoa; Reyes, Marquez, Moreno; Aguilar, Herrera, Pena, Fabian, Guardado; Peralta, Santos
Cameroon (4-3-3)
Itandje; Nyom, N’Koulou, Chedjou, Bedimo; Song, Matip, Mbia; Moukandjo, Eto’o, Choupo-Moting
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mexico – Oribe Peralta
The player whose move to America last month was the most expensive transfer in Mexican football history, Peralta has taken the lone central role from Manchester United's Javier Hernandez and is his country's figurehead in attack. Great things are expected of the 30-year-old who became an iconic figure in his home nation after scoring twice in his country's London 2012 final that handed them the gold medal.
Cameroon – Samuel Eto'o
Like Peralta, Eto'o is the darling of Cameroonian football, albeit having carried the hopes of his nation over the entire course of his long career. Recent strike action has seen his reputation tarnished somewhat by local papers but Cameroon will still need Eto'o to roll back the years and produce his best form if they are to be competitive in Brazil.
PREDICTION
Cameroon will struggle to make any impact at this year's tournament with a sub-par group of players, while Mexico should fare much better in familiar surroundings. Expect the South American side to be far too potent for Cameroon and win by a relatively comfortable margin. Mexico 2-0 Cameroon
