Ireland v Cameroon - the key battles

worldcup.ie looks at the key contests which are likely to determine the outcome of the opening match in Group E.

The Republic of Ireland begin their latest World Cup adventure against a Cameroon side fresh from their latest African Nations Cup triumph.

Under the guidance of German coach Winfried Schafer, Cameroon appear to be stronger than in their last two appearances in the World Cup finals in 1994 and 1998, when they crashed out in the group stages on both occasions without winning a single game.