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 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.

CAMEROON have moved firmly in focus for Ireland after Mick McCarthy brought back a first-hand eye-witness account of their 2-2 draw with England in a challenge game in Chiba on Sunday.