Republic of Ireland 1 Cameroon 1
Holland 52 Mboma 39

When the postman knocks halfway through the 2nd half of a game, there's something wrong. Ridiculous time to watch a match! And now it's before 9.30am, but I think it's lunchtime!

Well, I guess you could say that Ireland played really well in the second half to come back, but I wouldn't say that. They were allowed to play by the Cameroons who went home, it seemed. I get narked that we're expected to be supporting the Irish. Why should we? Just because they all play in our league? Leeds; that's what they remind me of. Heck, even O'Leary's Irish (and was in the studio, natch). As for the Keane thing - well, I agree that you can't have somebody lording it over a team - nor that you should be offensive - but, McCarthy's the manager - why can't he control his players? He sent home Ireland's best player - nobody would dispute that. That means he's not doing his best for Ireland (McCarthy, I mean). And as for the players *voting* on the matter - what madness!! *end of rant*

The biggest talking points throughout the match were (i) what time did the next game kick-off and (ii) were the Cameroons wearing 2-piece shirts? They were wearing 2-piece shirts. Black shirts under white vests (with comic sans-serif numbers). If they'd been a one-piece I would've raved over them - instead, I will rave over their shorts, which were on the orange side of red and tight - far superior to the Irish floppy white things.

Mboma's 39th minute goal was the result of shoddy defending by the ageing Staunton. They went to the corner to place shirt on ground, as the Senegals had done - but they didn't dance around it - just sort of bunched.

True, the Irish did have all the 2nd half, but it was an Englishman who equalised. Matt Holland on 52 means - rather a super goal.

All I have to say on the game; still bleary-eyed. I'd like to know what Cameroon sub Suffo had on his face, which was covered by a plaster. A ring? On his face?

This group is the most awful of the lot. Who can you root for?

Teams:

Ireland: Shay Given, Gary Kelly (uncle of Ian Harte), Steve Staunton (capt), Gary Breen, Ian Harte (Reid 77, booked), Jason McAteer (booked; Finnan 45, booked), Mark Kinsella, Matt Holland, Kevin Kilbane, Robbie Keane, Damien Duff.

Cameroon: Boukar Alioum, Bill Tchato, Rigobert Song, Raymond Kalla, Pierre Wome, Lauren, Marc-Vivien Foe, Salomon Olembe, Geremi Njitap, Samuel Eto'o, Patrick Mboma.

Referee: T Kamikawa (Japan)

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