At twenty-nine, Eto'o placed enormous importance on this World Cup, because it might be his last one.
Before the match, his conflict with the National Team head coach had also made him the subject of widespread controversy.
The Head Coach accused Eto'o of putting in far less effort for the National Team than he did at his club. Eto'o considered this an insult. As he wore the Captain Armband of the Cameroon National Team, he could not accept such criticism. That was why he was determined to prove himself in the South Africa World Cup.
"I will dedicate every ounce of my strength for our fans."
"I believe Cameroon can achieve something at this World Cup, and I will do everything I can to make it happen!"
Their opening match against China Team was considered the game in which they had the best chance of taking three points. Neither Netherlands nor Denmark was weak overall, and Cameroon had no guarantee of beating either of them. Against the slightly weaker China Team, however, Cameroon would undoubtedly get off to a fine start if they could secure a victory.
For Eto'o, the match against China Team held another special meaning.
Yang Yang!
Eto'o's European Football career had begun at Real Madrid, but he had never been given the chance to prove himself at Bernabéu. He had constantly been sent out on loan and had never received their trust.
Once upon a time, his greatest dream had been to put on the Real Madrid shirt, play for the White Battleship, and score at Bernabéu.
But gradually, his wish had changed.
He still longed to score at Bernabéu, but he wanted to do it wearing the opponent's shirt.
Later, he chose Barcelona. At Real Madrid's archrival club, Eto'o had scored against almost every major