Cameroon at Italia ‘90: Roger Milla and the Legend of the Indomitable Lions - Part One

This week on It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson look back at one of the most iconic footballing stories of all time: Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup. 

Jonathan and Rob look at the chaotic preparations behind Cameroon's campaign, discussing last-minute squad upheaval, internal conflicts between teammates, and the unexpected recall of a man who would become a legend: Roger Milla.

In the build up to the tournament's opening game against defending champions Argentina, there were turbulent training camps, political interferences, and a complete lack of confidence in the squad. That would all change in the summer to come...

Join us on Friday for Part Two.

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00:00 Pre-Game Nerves and Disorganization

01:02 Introduction to the 1990 Cameroon Team

01:25 Historical Context of African Teams in the World Cup

02:26 The Dramatic Campaign of Cameroon 1990

04:40 The Goalkeeper Dilemma

07:25 African Football's Struggles and Triumphs

14:37 Colonial Impact on African Football

17:44 Cameroon's Chaotic Road to the World Cup

24:09 African Players in European Football

24:58 Cameroon's Discontent in the 1990s

26:02 The Build-Up to the 1990 World Cup

31:43 Roger Milla's Unexpected Return

40:07 Goalkeeper Rivalries and Team Dynamics

43:33 Pre-Match Chaos and Last-Minute Changes

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