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NIIGATA, Japan (Ticker) -- Despite the absence of its inspirational captain, Ireland had the heart to battle back against Cameroon. Matt Holland equalized seven minutes into the second half as Ireland pulled out a 1-1 draw against Cameroon. Drawn in Group E with three-time World Cup winner Germany, Cameroon and Ireland may wind up fighting for a berth into the second round. "I'm happy with the result. The African teams are going to do well in this World Cup," Ireland coach Mick McCarthy said. "I don't believe Germany are stronger than Cameroon. So we're in with a real chance of staying in the tournament for a while longer. But no one should underestimate Saudi Arabia." An attempted clearance from Cameroon defender Raymond Kalla fell kindly for Holland and the Ipswich Town midfielder struck a low drive, which skidded past the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Alioum Boukar and inside the left post. "In the second half, we had a lot of chances. But it was a good performance nonetheless and we are pleased with the result," Holland said. "Hopefully it will stand us in good stead. It was crucial that we didn't get beat today and let's see what we can do from here." Playing the more attractive soccer for much of the opening half, "The Indomitable Lions" grabbed the lead in the 40th minute. A stunning run by Samuel Eto'o on the right side of the box drew the Irish defense, allowing him to pick out fellow forward Patrick Mboma to slot it home from six yards. Earning his 50th cap, Mboma recorded his 28 international goal. Ireland endured a major pre-World Cup distraction when captain Roy Keane was sent home by McCarthy due to behavior deemed detrimental to the team. But the Europeans nearly collected the winner seven minutes from the end when striker Robbie Keane rocketed a shot off the right post. Following a tense early spell, both teams had an excellent chance to break the scoreless deadlock during a five-minute span. Eto'o got behind the Irish defense and was sprinting toward goal when goalkeeper Shay Given charged down the 18th-minute shot. Ireland, which threatened from corner kicks and crosses throughout the match, nearly tallied a few minutes later when Robbie Keane headed a centering pass from Kevin Kilbane just wide of the right post. "On the balance of play, we have to be satisfied with the draw," Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer said. "My team played with a lot of pressure on their shoulders. They haven't come to terms with their role as favorites. The players are very down. My job now is to lift them again. It looks as though the Germany game will be decisive." Ian Harte, the Irish left back, had supplied a number of those quality balls into the box before being replaced by Steven Reid with 13 minutes left after appearing to be hobbled by cramps. However, a minute before Holland's equalizer, Geremi dispossessed Harte deep in the Irish half. With Given forced to cut down the angle, the Cameroon forward barely chipped wide. Lions captain Rigobert Song was fortunate not to record own-goals on a pair of occasions. Reid then struck a fierce 90th-minute free kick to try and record the winner, but Boukar deflected it over the crossbar as Cameroon managed to hold on. |
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