Jack Charlton has warned Mick McCarthy that Group E rivals Cameroon are poised to snatch the Republic of Ireland’s tag as the World Cup’s surprise package.
McCarthy’s men take on the Africans in their first game of the summer showpiece on Saturday June 1 and formr boss Charlton fears Winfried Schafer’s players could stun his old side.
Charlton, who established Ireland as a real footballing force during his 1986-96 reign, is worried that the powerful physique of the opposition will leave Ireland bruised and beaten.
Back in Italia 90, Cameroon became the darlings of the tournament, eventually losing to England in the quarter-finals.
Their easy qualifying group success this time, an Olympic gold medal two years ago and victory in the African Nations Cup suggests another impressive showing in the finals is possible.
Charlton said: « I saw Cameroon on television during the African Nations Cup and although the pitches were very bumpy, bouncy and hard, they still looked like they could play.
« What they’re going to play like on real grass might frighten Ireland, as they’ve got pace, aggression and ability. We might just see one of the African nations up there this time. »
However, Charlton, who won the 1966 World Cup as an England centre-back, also has first-hand knowledge of the tremendous belief in the Irish camp, in spite of the row which ended in Roy Keane being sent home in disgrace.
« Don’t underestimate Ireland, » he said.
« Winning it is another matter but they’ll also frighten a few people, I tell you.
« It was crazy that they hadn’t lost a game in 12 and still had to go into the play-offs to qualify. They put Holland out and I thought the Dutch would do something in the World Cup.
« Ireland haven’t got masses of great international players, but they’ve got solid, professional players who know the game and have had experience under Mick.
« They’ve beaten lots of teams and are a very confident bunch of lads. Mick looks after them well and they’ve got a good way of playing. »
