Cameroon 2002

Ireland 1:1 Cameroon

Ireland tame the Lions

The Republic of Ireland opened their world cup campaign against Cameroon in Niigata on 1 June 2002. When the players emerged onto the pitch they were surprised at the level of Irish support which had travelled to support the team. There was some confusion as to which way to face when the anthems were played and the team faced towards the Irish end of the ground for a rousing rendition of Amhráin na bhfFiann. With the Saipan debacle still lingering like a bad smell the team did a Gaelic football/Celtic huddle as a display of unity and commitment.

Shay Given defended the goal at the Irish end of the ground in the first half. The Irish seemed a bit stage struck in the beginning and took some time to get into the game, they stood off and gave Cameroon too much space. Given made a great save from Eto'o, reminiscent of the save he pulled off against Iran in Dublin. But eventually Eto'o, beat Staunton to push a short pass back to Mboma who had a relatively easy shot past Given.

Whatever McCarthy said at half time had the desired effect. The second half was a completely different game with Ireland playing much more as a unit, passing, tackling and putting ‘em under pressure. The mid-field was solid, tackling back and moving forward. Their industry was rewarded with a Matt Holland goal. Ireland went into overdrive to get the winner with Duff and Keane constantly battling. Robbie hit the post, a shot was scrambled off the line and Reid’s free kick, who had come on for Harte, just tipped over by the keeper. All of this action coming in the dying minutes. In the end Ireland secured a point but were unluky not to have secured all three in the opening world cup game in Japan in the Big Swan stadium in Niigata.

The temperature was not too hot as had been feared for the 3:30PM kick-off and the atmosphere was electric. The players came down to the Irish end as the Green Army celebrated a team which showed great spirit, an ability to fight back, who played attractive football and displayed a will to win, despite the negative comments from some media pundits with regard to the Siapan saga.