Mexico Vs. Cameroon - Battle of the Underdogs?

The Group A underdogs face each other in their first match, both aware that a victory in Arena das Dunas is a must to have a real chance of progressing in the tournament

With Brazil a clear favorite to win Group A and Croatia a strong candidate to take second spot in the group, El Tri and the Indomitable Lions know a victory in this first game is a must to have a real chance of going far in the tournament.

German coach Volker Finke has had a bit more time to work with Cameroon - he was appointed in May 2013 - opting for a very compact and organized 4-3-3 formation, yet lacking creativity in midfield at times. Like Mexico, Cameroon is likely to repeat the starting 11 of its last friendly, a 2-2 draw against Germany.

Veteran captain Samuel Eto'o is still the focal point of the attack, but is now playing as a true striker, and is not able to help as much in the creation of chances as in the past. That is now the job of wingers Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Benjamin Moukandjo, who get constant help from their full backs.

Marseille's Nicolas N'Koulou and Schalke's Joel Matip are two very solid center backs, while Konyaspor's keeper Charles Itandje has struggled to find consistency on club level, but in recent times has showed impressive form with his national team.

Cameroon fluked into the Cup, after Togo lost points on a technicality. And the team has bickered with its administration over bonus money. The signs are not auspicious.

Mexico was downright woeful in qualifying, sneaking into the Cup finals only because the United States beat Panama late in the last qualifier and the Mexicans survived a home-and-home playoff with New Zealand. The team will need the veteran Rafael Marquez, team captain in four straight Cups, to keep things tight at the back.

Mexico needs to win to put pressure on Croatia, its rival for the second qualifying spot. (Brazil will very likely get the first.) For Cameroon, this game is probably the best chance for a point in group play.

LIKELY STARTING XIs:

MEXICO: Ochoa; Aguilar, Rodriguez, Marquez, Moreno, Layun; Herrera, Vazquez, Guardado; Dos Santos, Peralta

CAMEROON: Itandje; Djeugoue, Matip, Nkoulou, Bedimo; Enoh, Song, M'bia; Moukandjo, Eto'o, Choupo-Moting