Japan 1-0 Cameroon
Japan secured an historic win over Cameroon
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Monday, 14, Jun 2010 04:55
By Darren Estwick.
Japan won their first-ever World Cup match away from home soil with a scrappy 1-0 win over an uninspired Cameroon in Monday afternoon's Group E game.
A dour match with few highlights ended with a solitary goal from Japan midfielder Keisuke Honda presenting his team with all three points.
Honda found himself unmarked in the area on the 39th minute and the star man finished with aplomb past the onrushing keeper.
Cameroon were disappointing in a game that they were favoured to win, struggling to create chances and having their one proven goal scorer Samuel Eto'o stuck out inexplicably on the right wing.
Nothing happened for the first half hour of the game before the first shot in anger went to the Africans on the 38th minute when Eyong Enoh combined well before shooting outside of the area but the shot was saved by Japan keeper Eiji Kawashima.
A minute later Japan scored from their first attack. A cross whipped into the area was missed by all Cameroonian defenders, allowing Honda to control and place the ball past the helpless keeper.
Cameroon started the second half with more intent signalled by a mazy run from their talisman Eto'o. The striker beat two men on the touchline before cutting into the area and cutting the ball back to the unmarked Choupo Moting, but the striker curled the ball wide of the far post.
Following a spell of concentrated pressure from Cameroon, Mbia unleashed a powerful strike 35 yards out which smashed against the crossbar with the keeper well beaten.
As the time ticked away Cameroon resorted to more desperate measures, lobbing long balls into the area in an attempt to force an equaliser but Japan's organised defence always remained on top to ensure an historic win in a very disappointing game.