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Vandenbergh 21, Oman-Biyick 67, Scifo 80
BERNE - Wankdorf
Belgium were delighted with their point against Holland, but knew that this time they would be favourites rather than underdogs. For twenty minutes they seemed uneasy with this burden, as Cameroon unsettled them with physical strength and fast running.
Then Eric Gerets made one of his trademark overlapping runs from right back. A one-two with Jan Ceulemans and he was able to pull the ball back for former golden boot winner Erwin Vandenbergh to finish.
For the rest of the first half it looked as if Cameroon were about to lose the plot. Staring elimination in the face, their play became increasingly hit-and-hope in style.
Coach Nepomniachi had words though at half time, and the Africans came out a different side for the second period. Francois Omam-Biyick linked well with brother Andre Kana-Biyick in midfield to create a chance for Roger Milla, but Pfaff saved well.
Then Eto’o evaded Renquin in the box, only to slam his shot against the underside of the bar. From the rebound, Milla should perhaps have had a penalty as Meeuws challenged him. On 67 minutes, Cameroon finally got the equaliser their second half showing had deserved, as Eto’o flicked a pass on to Milla, who beat the offside trap and bore down on the unguarded Pfaff. He could perhaps have scored himself, but unselfishly squared to Omam-Biyick to side-foot home.
Belgian coach Guy Thijs knew this would be two points dropped rather than a point gained, and urged his side to regain the upper hand. Too often though they resorted to long balls up to the head of Ceulemans or Van Himst. Cameroon were not short of height at the back and dealt with the threats fairly comfortably.
Eventually, skipper Van Himst decided enough was enough. He lost his marker by dropping deep to pick up the ball. He played it forward to the feet of Wilmots and pushed on for the return ball. Wilmots tried to flick the ball back to his captain for a volley.
Van Himst, recognising that Salomon Olembe would get to him in time to block the shot, instead stamped down on the ball, causing it to bounce down under Olembe’s outstretched leg and into the path of Enzo Scifo. The elegant midfielder took one touch and then struck a rocket of a shot that flew in off the underside of the bar from 25 yards. Belgium had gotten out of jail, and still had their fate in their own hands.
Cameroon were out, but had at least shown they were not completely out of their depth after all.
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