Very often score sheet show justice to the story the story of the game. Mexico opened its seventeenth world cup (sixth straight) campaign with a solitary goal win over Cameroon .Another day another place it could easily be at least (3-0) or even more.  Mexico dominated the match right through with much better brand of quality football only to be on the wrong side of the referees whistle .This was the first ever win of a Mexican team over an African side in a world cup. North American regular visitor to the World Cup Mexico (El Teri) went past the Indomitable African Lions Cameroon at the brand new Estadio das Dunas, Natal to keep their hopes alive in Group A. Group leader Brazil winning the tournament opener against strong looking Croatia in the tournament opener made it very important for one of the two sides get straight win to have any chance at all for advancing from the group.  Croatia by the look of it will be a hard nut to crack by either of the two teams. Beating Brazil or winning even a point from them may be still more difficult task. Cameroon players were arguing over the pay package before flying to Brazil. The young Mexican team was also glittering with glory as being in World Cup finals for the sixth consecutive time. This is their fifteenth overall appearance in world cup. This is the first time Mexico has beaten an African Nation in a World Cup. To be fair Mexicans could have won by much wider margin had their two legitimate goals not disallowed through controversial off sides. Cameroon looked out of shorts and the African nation may find it very difficult to comeback against Brazil or Croatia. The match between Croatia and Mexico will be very interesting.  The two seemingly legitimate goals disallowed by the Colombian official may prove crucial   in deciding which team advances from the group alongside. 

Mexico ranked Twentieth in the FIFA Ranking settled first threatening Fifty-sixth ranked Cameroon with some early break away through the left hand side which Cameroon defence soaked somehow. In the first session Mexicans had lion share of the ball. Smart Moves from either flanks kept the Cameroon defence busy. Cameroon defence looked vulnerable against fleet footed Mexicans. Giovani dos Santos could have two goals for Mexico had he not been deprived with some controversial offside decisions. 15 minutes into the match he managed to put a ball past Itande with a volley from lovely cross catching Cameroon defence napping but was marked offside, an awful decision. Lions gradually came back into the game and had some quick moves deep into Mexican defence. Cameroon superstar Eto fired a lovely left footed drive which was saved brilliantly by Mexican Goalkeeper Ochoa. Choupo Moting could also put the ball into Mexican defence only to be pulled offside. Santos and Mexico was again denied of a goal when he pushed the ball back to Cameroon after it rebounded off Choupo Moting. First half ended goalless .On another day Mexicans could be 2-0 up had lady luck did smile on them. Mexicans were definitely a much better team in the first half. The moved well with knit passes through the center and from the flanks. Cameroon was mostly busy defending.

Early on in the second half des Santos again had a golden opportunity from a well-coordinated move only to be blocked by the advancing Cameroon Goalkeeper.  Quick overlapping Miguel Layun created several potential opening for the Mexicans. Hector Monero was booked and Mexicans conceded a free kick in the business area which Cameroon could not convert .Mexico finally broke the ice in the 61st minutes when well positioned Orbie Perelta put the finishing touch off a Herrera originated move  after dos Santos shot rebounded off the goalkeeper  ( 1-0). The rest of the match was the story of Mexico trying to hold on to the lead and Cameroon making some isolated attacks. In the dying minutes of the match Mexican Goal keeper made a smart save to make the day safe for his team.

Cameroon appears the weakest team of the group. They may find it very tough going against Brazil and Croatia. Who knows whether poor refereeing might count a great deal in the ultimate outcome of the group?

BDST: 0933 HRS, JUN 14, 2014