A loss in its World Cup opener has done little to deter the confidence of Denmark. The same can't be said for Cameroon.
Both teams will be looking to recover when they meet for the first time Saturday in a Group E encounter in Pretoria.
Denmark fell 2-0 to the Netherlands on Monday, but the opener against one of the tournament favorites looked to be the most difficult game in this stage for the Danes.
Coach Morten Olsen did not have two key injured starters in striker Jon Dahl Tomasson and central midfielder Daniel Jensen available against the Dutch. Both could return Saturday.
"We have a lot of possibilities tactically," Olsen said. "Cameroon have many good players, but they don't have the same qualities as the Dutch team."
Tomasson's guile, touch and experience were sorely missed against the Dutch, as was his scoring ability. He has 51 international goals in 110 appearances and is one goal shy of Poul Nielsen's national team record.
Cameroon lost 1-0 to Japan in its opener Monday, and the reaction has been harsh toward its French coach, Paul Le Guen, after a disjointed, nervous effort.
"We lost many, many balls because we were nervous and that is why I am disappointed tonight," Le Guen said. "They were not playing to their best of their ability and we were not able to release our potential this evening and that is really disappointing."
Inter Milan star and Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o played on the right wing instead of up top as a central striker and didn't have much of an impact on the match.
"I chose the position for him and I take responsibility for that," Le Guen said. "You make the choice with what you have."
Several Cameroon players have asked the coach to insert veterans Rigobert Song, Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song into the lineup. Le Guen has not revealed whether he will make changes.
It's clear that the Danes will alter their lineup. They received a strong performance from winger Dennis Rommedahl against the Dutch, and his effectiveness would seem to only increase if Tomasson lines up alongside Nicklas Bendtner up front.
Rommedahl, though, admits he is unsure of what to expect from the Indomitable Lions.
"I only know one or two of their players," he said. "I am sure we will have our chances against them."
Olsen says his players must be "prepared for a different way of playing" and a more physical contest against Cameroon, which was eliminated in the first round of three straight World Cups from 1994-2002 before not qualifying four years ago.
The loser will be eliminated if the earlier Group E match Saturday between the Netherlands and Japan ends in a draw.
"We simply have to beat Denmark now, that's certain," midfielder Stephane Mbia said. "We've no more margin for error."
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