Matt Holland kept Ireland’s World Cup dream alive with only his fourth international goal as Mick McCarthy’s side were forced to settle for an opening Group E draw against African champions Cameroon.

Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the World Cup were in danger of being shattered after the first game as Patrick Mboma scored the 28th goal of his international career to give Cameroon the half-time lead.

Ireland’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout phase of the World Cup were in danger of being shattered after the first game as Patrick Mboma scored the 28th goal of his international career to give Cameroon the half-time lead.

Ireland have kicked off their World Cup campaign against Cameroon at Niigata.

Ireland have kicked off their World Cup campaign against Cameroon at Niigata.

Steve Finnan and Kenny Cunningham have been left out of the Irish team due to injury.

England 2 Cameroon 2