Schaefer: Lion first, German second

Cameroon’s German coach Winfried Schaefer is determined his Lions will roar into the second round of the World Cup - even if it is at the expense of his countrymen.

Cameroon needed Samuel Eto’s 66th-minute strike to see off a stubborn Saudi Arabia side who were determined to wipe away the memory of their 8-0 hammering at the hands of Germany.

After the 1-0 victory Schaefer was facing up to the prospect of the country of his birth standing between the Indomitable Lions and a place in the second round of the World Cup.

‘‘I am a Lion and I want to get through to the second round, even against Germany,’’ said Schaefer.

‘‘It was important that we won a match at the World Cup, and now we have a match against Germany.

‘‘It will be a decisive match. I didn’t want it this way, but it is now this way.

‘‘Germany will, of course, be the favourites because they have more experience and have played more tournaments.’’

Schaefer could not resist a sarcastic sideswipe at the Saudis, saying: ‘‘Congratulations to Saudi Arabia; they fought very hard today. I would have loved it if they had fought hard against Germany.’’

Schaefer was not happy with his side’s finishing either - ‘‘we have a problem in front of goal where we are not as strong as we should be’’ - but added: ‘‘The important thing for me was to see that my team was working for every minute, and I always thought that the goal would come eventually.’’

Saudi Arabia coach Nasser Al Johar felt his side had salvaged a great deal of pride after their mauling at the hands of Germany.

‘‘The team has recovered in this match to reflect a real picture of Saudi football,’’ said Johar.

‘‘In the first match we were all shocked by the performance.’’

Johar promised another battling display when the Saudis tackle the Republic of Ireland in Yokohama next Tuesday.

‘‘We promise that we will do our best in the final match so that we can show the real quality of Saudi football and so that we can say goodbye to the World Cup on a good notes.’’