Cameroon started the first half determined to attack and had several near misses as they dominated play with 55% of the possession, giving the Irish several early scares. However, their attacks never ended with a killer punch until Patrick Mbomba put them ahead in the 39th minute. Fellow attacker Samuel Etoo received a looping pass on the right and proceeded to take out two of the Irish defenders as he brought the goal to the goal line and delivered a perfect pass to Mbomba inside the penalty area, which the veteran slotted home past Shay Given with his left foot, before acting cover Kinsela could reach him. Ireland immediately launched a counter attack, but were foiled by goalkeeper Boukar Alioum. Following three minutes of injury time Cameroon ended the first half deservedly up 1-0.

Ireland started the second half in a much more determined fashion taking the game to their opponents and forcing a corner after five minutes, though this was not converted. Cameroon responded by coming right back at the Irish with Geremi taking advantage of a defensive error to have the first shot at goal, which whistled past the right post.

Ireland were the first to get on the board when Matt Holland connected with a poorly cleared header to drive home a shot past Aoumi into the left corner seven minutes into the half. The game then settled down to give and take with both sides mounting attacks, which defensive elements managed to close out, including a massive save by Given, tipping a long range lob over the bar.

Ireland were unlucky not to go ahead in the 38th minute when Robbie Keane thundered in a tremendous drive only to see it come back off the left post. This was followed by a period of intense Irish pressure culminating in a shot on goal from a Steven Reid free kick, which was heroically pushed over the bar by Alioum. With neither side managing to convert their remaining chances the game ended tied at 1:1 after four minutes of injury time play.

(Chris Price chris@chosun.com )