TWELVE YEARS ago, we grappled with the kick off time. Time difference meant the games in Korea-Japan were showing in the morning this side of the planet. Schools, works and several day-to-day engagements were affected.

Fast forward and we are up for a month of indifference. Many are fanatics will be returning home in the morning. But thanks to Rwanda Television, just owning a set and you could at least be picked up from the couch in the living room and dragged to bed by your wife.

Especially tonight. I have flipped several cards around and all indication is that Friday’s fixtures will produce some dull and dour games. First off is Group A’s other fixture featuring Mexico against Cameroon.

Both these sides know a win is the least they can afford. The loser of this fixture will have no chance against Croatia and Brazil. This Mexican side is just cowboys on a tour of duty. The sun is all they will enjoy here. Fancy Cameroon to pull it off? Sure. But a boring draw is all I see.

The Indomitable Lions have been waning from Korea-Japan and now look all but indomitable. But when respectable legends like Roger Milla speak, you listen. The Cameroonian legend last month said when Samuel Eto’o is on form, then the whole team will be on form.

And, spurred by talks about his age, Eto’o has been proving he is ‘just 33’ and going. Cameroon could pull this off… if their defenders hold.

Elsewhere in the long night, Spain and Netherlands renew their last final rivalry. Nigel de Jong is still in the team, so is Xabi Alonso. There might be no kung fu this time, but the Orange are too light in the back to contend with the firepower of the defending champions.

If goals break boredom then the goal feast match that is Chile against Australia is the deal. The Chileans are going to pack goals.