Japan and Cameroon almost bore entire office to sleep

Japan beat Cameroon in a match that I didn't expect much from and ultimately I wasn't disappointed. It does mean that we have only predicted seven out of ten matches correctly this World Cup and we also fancy our little run is coming to an end after predicting a draw between Italy and Paraguay.

But Italy and Paraguay are for later. For now, we have to look at Japan and Cameroon and I really did nod off for a moment in the second half when nothing seemed to be happening.

(Japan)

I'll be honest with you, I'm going to struggle to try and find something to write that isn't going to sound bad against either side so I'm going to say little. It isn't how you start a tournament, it is how you end and Japan just got lucky today, because both sides were awful and they just took the opportunity when it presented itself - Cameroon had a couple too.

(Cameroon)

So, I can tell you that it was Honda that scored for Japan and that I'm not sure the cross was meant for him, but he was in the right place at the right time and that is all that matters.

Japan

Eiji Kawashima, Komano, Tanaka, Nagatomo, Nakazawa, Abe, Endo, Matsui (Okazaki, 68), Hasebe (c) (Inamoto, 88), Honda, Okubo (Kisho Yano, 81)

Cameroon

Hamidou, Assou-Ekotto, N'Koulou, Bassong, Matip (Emana, 63), Makoun (Geremi, 75), Enoh, M'bia Etoundi, Eto'o (c), Choupo-Moting (Idrissou, 75), Webo

Two sides who are aiming to make it out of the group stage met on Monday, June 14, 2010 as Japan faced Cameroon. A loss for either side would probably end their chances to make the knockout stage with matches against Denmark and the Netherlands.

Japan 1-0 Cameroon Video Highlights

The match highlights can be found here at Free Soccer Highlights.

Japan 1-0 Cameroon Recap

The Japanese would get a very important win with a first half goal from Keisuke Honda.

It was a match that was largely controlled by Cameroon but they failed to find the final pass or finish to score a goal. Japan had few chances but the one they did have was converted. A cross was sent into the box where Honda received the pass, was unmarked, and then scored from close range.

It was a disappointing result for Cameroon who couldn’t convert chances despite having the better of play.

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Japan 1-0 Cameroon Match Stats

Japan Cameroon

3(2)	Shots (on Goal)	9(2)
20	Fouls	29
0	Corner Kicks	3
4	Offsides	2
43%	Time of Possession	57%
1	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
2	Saves	1