Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer was glad to come away with a point from his side’s opening World Cup fixture after a strong second-half comeback by the Republic of Ireland.
« They put us under a lot of pressure and we must be satisfied with the draw, » said the German.
The Indomitable Lions were forced to settle for a draw despite going in at half time 1-0 up thanks to Patrick Mboma. The Africans had an opportunity to put the game beyond the Irish, however, as Geremi missed a great chance moments before Matt Holland scored the equaliser.
« It should have been 2-0, » Schaffer said. « We then made a mistake and were punished for it.
« You should never underestimate Ireland but we were very nervous in the second-half.
« Now I must build up the team’s morale again for the Saudi Arabia game, as they are disappointed with the result after leading 1-0. »
Striker Samuel Eto’o, who had been instrumental in setting up Mboma’s goal, agreed with Schafer’s analysis. « In the first-half we played very well but in the second-half it all went wrong, » the Real Mallorca striker told the BBC.
« One point is better than nothing – but we’ve got to win our next match against Saudi Arabia. »
