The Japan national football team has started their 2010 World Cup campaign on a good note with a 1-0 victory over the Cameroon national football team in Monday’s Group E match.
Asia representatives Japan held on in an edgy match that could have gone either way after the Cameroonians put up a stiff search for goal that saw many got attempts at goal.
Keisuke Honda’s first-half strike gave Japan the important goal they needed after sustained pressure from the indomitable Lions.
Japan will be extra happy having improved their World Cup record, recording their first win in an opening match at a World Cup, and the first win away from home.
The Japanese now join Netherlands on the top of Group E on three points. Netherlands had earlier overcome Denmark 2-10 in Group E’s earlier match.
Although Cameroon showed more endeavour, with star striker Samuel Eto’o dropping deep and wide on the right, the Cameroonians lacked any sort of cutting edge.
The task ahead of Cameroon is now mountainous if they are to qualify from Group E, because they have to get good results from Netherlands and Denmark if they are to stand any chance.
See Results of matches so far played at FIFA 2010 World Cup
Japan 1-0 Cameroon