SB Nation World Cup World Cup 2010 -- Group E
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Cameroon and Japan each have one World Cup appearance beyond group play, and with both having a match against the Netherlands looming on their group stage schedule, points on Monday are needed if either team is to advance.
Japan’s 38th minute goal from Kaisuke Honda has the up 1-0 at halftime over Cameroon.
A Daisuke Matsui cross found an unmarked Honda at the far post, giving the CSKA Moscow attacker an each finish to put the Japanese ahead.
It is the first time Japan has carried a lead into half of a World Cup match, with the Blue Samurai threatening to record their first World Cup win on foreign soil.
In a relatively evenly played first half, each team has managed one shot on goal while splitting possession. Both teams have had success attacking down their right sides, with Stephane Mbia putting in a strong half for Paul Le Guen.
Skilled work on the right wing from Daisuke Matsui led to a cross that found Keisuka Honda alone at the far post, putting Japan up 1-0 over Cameroon in the 38th minute.
Matsui, in possession on the right, cut back toward the middle before floating a left-footed cross into the area. A series of Cameroon defender jumped-at and missed the cross, leaving the pass to fall at the feet of an unmarked Honda.
The CSKA Moscow star had an easy finish for his fifth career goal and Japan’s 1-0 lead.
Cameroon is a regular attendee at the World Cup, having qualified for six of the last eight finals, but the Indomitable Lions have only one trip beyond group phase. That is the same number of knock stage appearances on Japan's record, though the only time the Samurai Blue made the final 16, they co-hosted the tournament. In as much as this type of history matters, there is little to separate Cameroon and Japan.
Cameroon, of course, has Samuel Eto'o, one of the true stars of the world's game. Over the last two years, he has won six major trophies at club level. For his national team, he is the country's all-time leading scorer who, over the last season, has been serving as the team's captain.
But beyond Eto'o and Alexander Song, the Indomitable Lions lack stars, particularly in midfield, where Japan may hold a decisive advantage. Cameroon usually plays a 4-3-3 formation, and against a 4-5-1 from Japan that features a number of skilled players, Cameroon could find itself doing a lot of chasing. Cameroon coach may have to make an adjustment - be it pre-match or during - in order to get enough of the ball to start taking advantage of Eto'o.
Courtesy of SB Nation Soccer, Jeremiah Oshan and Sounder at Heart, Team Data Cards have been prepared to give you all the information you need to know on the country, qualifying route, roster, and formation.
Here is Japan's (PDF), Cameroon's (PDF) as well as the post with cards for all 32-teams, prepared by Jeremiah.
That Japan midfielder features captain Makoto Hasebe, who plies his trade for Wolfsburg in Germany. Free-kick maestro Shunsuke Nakamura has just recently moved back to the J-League after spending time in Spain. Junichi Imamoto also went home to get regular time before the World Cup, having last played in Germany and Spain. Yasuhito Endo and Yuki Abe have a combined 139 international matches worth of experience in holding roles. While none of these players are elite talents, the ability to put out five solid, skilled midfielders gives Japan an advantage when facing sides that are thin in the middle.
Over the last year, Japan may have developed a wild card in midfield. Though he did not figure in their qualifying run, Keisuke Honda has worked his way into the team thanks to stellar UEFA Champions League performances with CSKA Moscow. Along with Kawasaki Frontale striker Shinji Okazaki, Honda could provide Japan with a quality in the finish that the team has typically lacked.
And with Cameroon's problems in midfield, Japan may be able to get off to a strong start in South Africa. If Paul Le Guen morphs his 4-3-3 into a 4-5-1, he could stymy the Japanese and rely on Samuel Eto'o creating something. Such are the luxuries of having a player like Eto'o. One small lineup tweak can put your squad back with the advantage.
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World Cup 2010, Japan 1, Cameroon 0: Blue Samurai Get First World Cup Win On Foreign Soil
Keisuke Honda’s first half goal was all Japan needed, and although a post rattling blast from Stephane Mbia gave the Blue Samurai a moment of pause, Japan held on for their first World Cup win on foreign soil, defeating Cameroon 1-0 on Monday.
It was an evenly played match throughout, if completely different pre- and post-goal. Before Honda’s goal, the teams split possession while showing too much caution to create scoring opportunities.
In the 38th minute, the match changed with a Daisuke Matsui cross for Keisuke Honda overplayed by the Cameroon back line, allowing the ball to float to the attacker’s feet at the far post. The CSKA Moscow star quickly settled and finished for the match’s only goal.
Though the chances where shared in the second half, Cameroon dominated play as Japan became increasingly defense-minded as the time round up. Japan was able to create opportunities against the run of play for Honda and substitute Shinji Okazaki, while Cameroon continuously cause gasps with crosses toward an ever-crowded penalty area.
Japan was ultimately able to hold-on for three points in and an upset win, with most expected the Cameroonians to prevail on African soil. Now, Japan is even on points at the top of Group E with the Netherlands ahead of a match with the Dutch.
Cameroon will face Denmark in their next match.
Jun 14 11:58a by Richard Farley - 1 comment