Cameroon play for pride against advancing Dutch

CAPE TOWN - Cameroon and the Netherlands meet Thursday in their final Group E match of World Cup football, which means nothing in terms of qualification but everything in terms of pride for the West African nation.

The Netherlands are through to the last 16 of the World Cup without conceding a goal so far, although they need at least a point to ensure they finish top.

But Cameroon are already out despite boasting the talents of one of the World’s best forwards in Samuel Eto’o.

“I want to finish with dignity in the last game,” Eto’o said. “We need to go out with some pride, above all for the people back home, though it won’t be easy.”

Cameroon were the highest-ranked African side coming into the tournament, and there were high hopes they could repeat their 1990 feat of reaching the quarter-finals, inspired by Roger Milla.

But the Indomitable Lions failed to live up to their nickname, losing to Japan and Denmark.

The eyes of all Africa will also be on the game, as the continent looks something to cheer after a dismal tournament for them.

French coach Paul Le Guen insisted he does not plan to quit after the 2-1 capitulation to Denmark, despite facing fierce criticism at home other his team selection - particularly his decision not to play Arsenal’s Alex Song in the game against Japan.

However, the Frenchman is already being linked with a job coaching Australia, and the clash with the Netherlands in Cape Town’s Green Point stadium is likely to be his last in charge.

Confidence is growing in the Netherlands that their nation may finally be able to live up to its potential and win its first World Cup after the team’s two wins so far, which they clocked up without star winger Arjen Robben.

The Dutch may be able to give Robben an easy introduction to the tournament against Cameroon; he has begun training again after suffering a hamstring injury in a warm-up match with Hungary.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk has said he has still not decided whether to play Robben, but he is looking for at least a point to ensure his side top the group.

Nonetheless, he hinted he may rest key players.

“I will keep in mind how fit my players are, and perhaps I may keep in mind the cards,” he said, referring to the the fact that three players are on yellow cards.

If the Netherlands win their group, they could possibly face Italy, who are struggling in Group F and may only finish second, in the round of 16.