Schafer warns Germany

Schafer: Germany should not underestimate Cameroon

By BBC Sport Online's Roy Fairbairn in Germany

Look out Germany - here come Cameroon. Treat them with respect or pay the penalty!

That is what Winfried Schafer told Germany's coach Rudi Voller following the draw for next summer's World Cup Finals.

And the warning from one team chief to another has been widely publicised in Germany.

Cameroon play thrilling attacking football. But they need to improve on tactics and discipline

Winfried Schafer

Schafer took charge of Cameroon's squad in September and has been greatly impressed by his new players.

"They're all players of great character. And they're enormously enthusiastic about playing.

"But most important of all they're all eager to play for each other, and team spirit is vital for success," says Schafer.

"Cameroon play thrilling attacking football. But they need to improve on tactics and discipline," explains Schafer.

"That's why they wanted a German coach, and that's why I've taken on the job."

Schafer is thrilled at the prospect of leading Cameroon to the finals.

"I'm so happy I took on the job. I feel about eight years younger, just like I felt with Karlsruhe in the Bundesliga," says the 51-year-old Schafer.

Schafer's spell with Karlsruhe between 1987 and 1998 was richly rewarding for German football.

His discoveries included current World Cup stars - Ollie Kahn and Mehmet Scholl (Bayern Munich) as well as Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen).

Two other stars of Champions League winners Bayern Munich, Mike Tarnat and Thorsten Fink, are also products of Schafer's coaching in Karlsruhe.

Overseas experience

Asked to compare Roger Milla's team of 1990 World Cup fame with the present Cameroon squad, Schafer said today's side was much better.

"The 1990 team lost to England in the quarter-finals probably because only one or two of them played abroad. Now all the Cameroon players are abroad, excellently trained in top clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid. I'll be happy if we do as well as the 1990 team."

Schafer said he aims to underline his warning about Cameroon's potential by making an impact in the African Cup in Mali next month.

"For the time being that's much more important to us than the World Cup Finals", he said.