Ireland grab draw and point against Cameroon

Ireland 1, Cameroon 1 (full-time)

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 looked as if they missed the inspiration of disgraced captain Roy Keane during the first period, by the end of which Cameroon’s prolific striker Patrick Mboma had crowned his 50th cap with the 28th goal of his international career.

But Ireland were a different proposition after the break at Niigata’s Big Swan Stadium.

Roared on by their fervent fans Ipswich midfielder Holland netted the leveller early in a second half dominated by the boys in green.