Prediction: Cameroon vs Australia

Verdict: Both teams to score yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365

Australia take on African champions Cameroon determined to continue their attacking style of football which they believe will bring them a morale-boosting win after a spirited 3-2 defeat at the hands of Germany in the first round of the Confederations Cup.

Cameroon

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations champions are coming off from a subdued performance against Chile in their Confederations Cup group stage opener. The African nation has now won only one of their last four matches and their hopes of reaching the semi-finals look rather slim. Head coach Hugo Broos was still satisfied with his players’ efforts against the more illustrious opponents and a superior quality side such as Chile. Cameroon boast a young side and this tournament in their chance to grow together and gain valuable experience that will help them get better. The Lions have nothing to lose and are expected to go full throttle ahead against Australia.

Team News

Cameroon could line up pretty much the same side that hit the field against Chile.

Christian Bassogog and Vincent Aboubakar are expected to lead the line in attack once again, whereas the Africans will only be without Ambroise Oynogo who picked up an injury just before the trip to Russia.

Australia

The 3-2 defeat against the world champions Germany was Australia’s fourth FIFA Confederations Cup loss in a row. The Socceroos are now searching for their first win in the competition since 2001 when Australia overcame Brazil in a third-place match. The Asian champions are, however, going through a positive stretch under head coach Ange Postecoglou who introduced major changes to Australia’s style of play and the Socceroos are expected to continue in same style against Cameroon, sticking to their positive and proactive approach. Australia are committed to an attacking style of play and they should be praised for their refusal to back down under such a great challenge that was a match against reigning world champions. Australia conceded quick goals and struggled to retain possession in their 3-2 defeat to Germany, but Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to change the approach.

Team News

Talented midfielder Aaron Mooy will once again be the man to watch in Australia team.

The Socceroos are likely to introduce a couple of changes to the starting line-up with the experienced international Tim Cahill pushing for a starting berth against Cameroon.

Key Factors to Consider

• Cameroon and Australia meet for the first time ever
• Vincent Aboubakar scored 3 of Cameroon’s last 4 goals
• Cameroon fired only one shot on goal against Chile
• Africans won only one of their last four matches
• Australia lost their last four Confederations Cup games

Conclusion

Cameroon are a young and a potent side capable of surprising even the more quality teams, but Australia head into the game in much better shape and a state of mind. Ange Postecoglou has made the Socceroos into an attack-oriented side and we expect to see an openly-contested clash.

Verdict: Both teams to score yes

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: Bet365