Cameroon - Team Fact Sheet

10 Punchy Facts about Cameroon's World Cup "Indomitable Lions"!

When you think of Cameroon, you think of steamy tropical jungles and...well, that's probably it. But it's got a fascinating history, great music, and a President who's been in power longer than most Cameroonians have been alive.

But more importantly, Cameroon is one of Africa's best football nations. This francophone nation of 20 million has been producing world-class talent for the last 2 decades and is making an impact at international tournaments.

One of the continent's best hopes for the 2010 World Cup, make sure you keep an eye on them.

Here's the top 10 facts you need to know about the Cameroonian football team:

10. The Cameroon squad is nicknamed the Lions Indomptables (Indomitable Lions). Makes sense: lions, power, Africa. That's them!

9. Cameroon made its first World Cup appearance in 1982 after the number of teams competing increased from 16 to 24. They achieved draws against Italy, Peru and Poland, never losing a game. But they failed to advance.

8. Cameroon's coach is the Frenchman Paul Le Guen. He was called up in the middle of qualifying, as Cameroon was struggling, but managed to turn them around to get a berth. Not bad Frenchie. Not bad.

7. The top scorer of Cameroon is the brilliant Samuel Eto'o who has 41 goals in international competition. He got his first cap when he was only 14.

6. Cameroon won the 2000 Sydney Olympics, kicking off a solid decade of form. But a freak incident marred part of their run when player Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed on the pitch at the 2003 Confederations Cup. He died of heart-related issues shortly after. He's still remembered.

5. Rigobert Song has racked up 129 caps with Cameroon. A defender now playing in the Turkish leagues, Song has the dubious distinction of being the youngest player ever sent off in the World Cup, aged 17.

4. Cameroon's captain is the super-star Samuel Eto'o who, after years in the Spanish League now plays for Internazionale in Milan.

3. FIFA ranked Cameroon 11th before the 2010 World Cup, the highest of any African team. But FIFA's had issues with Cameroon before. The team has tried to wear sleeveless and one-piece uniforms in past competitions, but FIFA's blocked their creative efforts. Wonder what they'll try this time.

2. Cameroon has won the African Nations Cup & the All-Africa Games 4 times each. They just keep coming!

1. This will be Cameroon's 6th World Cup appearance - more than any other African nation. They are hoping to go beyond their previous best performance at the 1990 World Cup when they reached the quarterfinals.

On their home continent, they just might. Roar!