Senegal win makes Irish fans nervous

Ireland fans were tonight given a warning about the quality of African football as World Cup holders France were beaten by Senegal in the opening match of the tournament.

Ireland play African champions Cameroon tomorrow in Niigata in the opening game of Group E.

Senegal were beaten by Cameroon in the African Nations Cup earlier this year and Ireland supporters said they now had more concerns about tomorrow’s game.

Ted O’Connor, from Ballylongford, Co Kerry, said: ‘‘It has made us sit up and think, but I still believe we are going to beat Cameroon.’’

But his optimism was not shared by other fans who watched the game in bars in the city centre.

Paul Scott, from Dublin, said: ‘‘It is a very big surprise. It will give a lot of encouragement to the other African teams if they can beat the world champions.’’

His views were echoed by Sean McNally, 35, from Tasson, Co Monaghan, who said: ‘‘We were all supporting Senegal - we always support the underdogs. There is a bit of concern now after watching these Africans but we were still for them.’’

Tony Nolan, 53, from Dublin, added: ‘‘We would be happy with a draw tomorrow. The big game is against Germany. After all the troubles of the last few days we are on our way now and we are going to do our best.’’

Thousands of Ireland supporters have arrived in Japan ahead of tomorrow’s match.

Local people continued to welcome the visitors, with schoolchildren waiting to greet them at the city’s train station.

Chiruru Nakayama, 30, who wore her a kimono to a bar to watch the opening game with the Ireland supporters, said that people were pleased to see them.

‘‘It is amazing. The way they are dressed, with their painted faces, they can look a bit scary, but they are all very friendly. We are all pleased the World Cup is finally here.’’

The Ireland team were also welcomed to the city by local football fans as well as home supporters when they arrived ahead of a training session earlier today.