Stunned 1-0 by Mexico in their FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 Group A opener in Natal on Friday, Cameroon still believe they can make it to the knock-out stage.
After having two valid goals disallowed in the first half, a dominating Mexican side saw their efforts finally rewarded just past the hour-mark with Oribe Peralta turning home a Dos Santos’ attempt put back into play by the Lions’ keeper Charles Itandje.
The Cameroonians could barely have got off to a worse start to their campaign, with still Croatia and Brazil on their way to a spot in the next round.
“It is only the first match. It was very important to start on a good note but it is not the case. But nothing is impossible, we must now look forwards,” midfielder Enoh Eyong said after the game.
All the focus is now on Croatia, the Indomitable Lions’ next opponents, with a do-or-die situation to deal with.
“The opportunities were on both sides. We could have scored first and it is a shame to lose such a game.
I believe that we deserved a draw and not this cruel defeat (…) We now need to rally ahead of our next match which will be crucial. Despite the defeat, it is not over yet,” national coach Volker Finke assured.
Cameroon will face Croatia on June 18 in Manaus, in matchday 2 of the Group stage of the competition.
