World Cup 2010: Cameroon icon Roger Milla backs African team to go all the way
World Cup 2010: Cameroon icon Roger Milla backs African team to go all the way
Former Cameroon striker Roger Milla sees no reason why an African nation could not lift the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
Milla came out of semi-retirement at the age of 38 to help take Cameroon to the quarter-finals of Italia '90 with the abiding memory being that of the Cameroonian striker's corner-flag dance after every one of the four goals he struck.
No African side has ever got so far at a World Cup Finals since Cameroon's achievement nearly two decades ago, but Milla said: "Why not, why can't an African team win it?"
Milla believes the African sides have made more progress over recent years. Both Ghana and Ivory Coast performed well at the last World Cup in Germany. Ghana made it through to the second round before being knocked out.
"On the field, everyone is equal," Milla said. "It's no longer the Brazil, Italy or France we saw 10 years ago. It's 50-50. The English, French, Italian players play in the major championships in Europe alongside African players. It will be the teams with the best preparation who go furthest."
"The African teams have as good a chance as anybody.
Cameroon's feat in 1990 ensured a third World Cup place for Africa. Senegal produced a stunning win when they beat holders France in the opening game at the 2002 World Cup but Milla added: "Today there are no small teams."
