Mbia admits Cameroon's poor performance

Brasilia, June 23 (IANS/EFE) Cameroon midfielder Stephane Mbia admitted his team's bad performance led to their ouster from the FIFA World Cup group stages.

"We aim to finish the tournament in the best way possible. It's about the pride of Africa and Cameroon. We need to enhance our image and not repeat what happened in 2010 when we were eliminated without gaining a single point," said the Sevilla midfielder, reports EFE.

Mbia also spoke of his teammate Samuel Eto'o's injury.

"He is a very important player for us and can make a difference anytime. So his injury complicated things for us. The coach did all what was possible to motivate us. He tried to form a cohesive side despite the absence of big names such as Eto'o."

Regarding Alex Song being sent off in their last clash against Croatia after he elbowed Mario Mandzuki, and the brawl between teammates Benjamin Moukandjo and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Mbia said, "that was the result of frustration. Contrary to what many might believe, we are a very united side."

Cameroon have lost both their Group A matches to Mexico (0-1) and Croatia (0-4) and have the onerous task of facing hosts Brazil at the Estádio Nacional Mane Garrincha here Monday in their third and last match.

--IANS/EFE

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