Who are this players? 1970/71/72. From June 11 only 11 South Africa will be the proud host of the biggest sporting event on the planet, the 2010 FIFA world cup.
The lion have qualified for the past eight World cups, by far the best of any Africa
team. Their players are active across Europe's top leagues and include a bona fide superstar in Samuel Eto'o. And South African fans may be in search of home team if the host fails to prosper. That's the good news. But since their magical quarterfinal run in 1990, the Lion have failed to emerge from the group stage at the World Cup and have notched just one victory, over Saudi Arabia in their last appearance in 2002.
One problem has been finding the net. Cameroon has scored just 15 goals in 17 World Cup games-something Eto'o sure could help remedy. But the Inter Milan forward may not have much support. The main attacking midfielder, Achille Emana,though talented, will be playing in Spain's Segunda Division in the lead -up to the tournament.
Other issues? Overaggressive tacking that's resulted in seven red cards in their past 14 Cup games. Though fans shouldn't draw too many conclusion from the Africa Cup of Nations, the Indomitable lions defense is also a problem. Cameroon mustered only one win a getting to the quarterfinals, scoring six goals while allowing eight. Ex-captain Rigobert Song may have lost his center back job for good, and the often spectacular keeper Carlos Kameni was scorched. But the classy midfield makes up for a lot. Jean Makoun (Lyon), Alex Song (arsenal) and Stephane Mbia (Marseille) can all dictate tempo, score from distance and grind out results.
