Soccer: Nervous Cameroon give game away

NIIGATA - Cameroon can blame only themselves for failing to beat Ireland after they missed a golden chance to take a two-goal lead and promptly allowed the Irish to equalise, coach Winfried Schaefer said last night.

"I was happy with our first-half performance, but in the second spell Ireland put us under a lot of pressure and we must be satisfied with the draw.

"But it should have been 2-0. We then made a mistake and were punished for it," he said after the opening group E match ended 1-1 following an even contest.

The turning point came five minutes into the second half when midfielder Geremi had a clear chance to score but fired wide.

Just two minutes later, a poor defensive clearance presented Ireland's Matt Holland with a perfect opportunity, his 25m volley putting the Irish level.

"Now I must build up the team's morale again for the Saudi Arabia game, as they are disappointed with the result after leading 1-0," Schaefer said, referring to their next group match in Saitama on Thursday.

Striker Patrick Mboma, who had opened the scoring in the 39th minute but failed to sparkle in the second half, said Ireland's renewed determination after the break came as a bit of a shock.

"We were slightly surprised by Ireland's comeback, but we know they never give up."

Schaefer agreed. "You should never underestimate Ireland, but we were very nervous in the second half."

The Indomitable Lions were certainly the better team in the first 45 minutes, when the striking duo of Mboma and Samuel Eto'o seemed destined to find the back of the net.

"We were disappointed not to score three or four before they equalised," midfielder Lauren said. "We're not satisfied with a point."

Cameroon's chaotic build-up to the finals - their arrival in Japan was delayed for five days because of flight problems and rows over bonuses - may not have helped.

But buoyed by Senegal's stunning 1-0 defeat of world champions France in the tournament's opening match, Cameroon feel they still have the potential to surprise.

"We can play better. We can strengthen the way we play together," Schaefer said.

"Will we cause a surprise? Who knows, but you should not underestimate the African teams."

- REUTERS

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