Jean II Makoun is confident Cameroon have learned from the 2010 FIFA World Cup as they plot a path to the knockout stages in Brazil.
Four years ago the midfielder was part of a squad that failed to collect a single point from their group matches.
Makoun, who featured in all three games in South Africa, is convinced there is a better atmosphere in the current Cameroon party.
He is therefore optimistic they can escape from a group featuring hosts Brazil, Croatia and Mexico.
"What happened in South Africa should not happen again," Makoun is quoted as saying in L'Equipe. "I think all who were there and will play at the World Cup in Brazil have gained experience and maturity.
"We have had four more years. There is a lot of serenity and solidarity in the squad.
"We needed this cohesion."
Cameroon face Mexico in their opening game on Friday and Makoun knows the importance of making a strong start.
"Much will depend on the first game against Mexico, it's almost a game of six points," he added.
"If we win, it puts us almost in orbit. In any case, it is important not to lose it.
"Our ambition is to pass the first round, which only happened once to Cameroon in the World Cup (in 1990)."
