Japan started the World Cup 2010 with a bang, and a surprise victory against Cameroon for the first match of Group E in South Africa. Keisuke Honda scored the only goal of the game in 39′, making Japan a serious contender on the race to the second round of the World Cup 2010 finals.
During a very closed first half in Bloemfontein, the only serious chance was converted into a goal for Japan: Daisuke Matsui served a long ball from the left side of the field, and the ball passed everyone landing directly on Keisuke Honda that had no problem scoring. Cameroon was unable to respond for the biggest part of the game, putting all hopes on their biggest star Samuel Eto’o that had completely disappeared for the first 45 minutes. Eto’o made one magnificent play and pass to unmarked team mate Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting that missed the biggest opportunity for Cameroon during the entire game.
Eto’o was completely shut down for the rest of the game by the Japanese defence, and especially for Brazilian descent Marcus Tulio Tanaka. Coach Paul Le Guen tried to make some substitutions and give a breath of fresh air to Cameroon for the last 15 minutes of the game. The changes definitely helped and Cameroon picked up the pace making a few good plays and chances but had no luck in scoring an equaliser. Stephane Mbia’s powerful shot shook the goal post of Eiji Kawashima, and Japan was able to keep the valuable three points.
