Yesterday’s results

Group E

Holland 2-0 Denmark
Japan     1-0 Cameroon

Group F

Italy 1-1 Paraguay

Today

Group F

New Zealand vs Slovakia
1.30pm

Group G

Ivory Coast vs Portugal- 4pm
Brazil vs North Korea 8.30pm

CAMEROON coach Paul Le Guen could not hide his disappointment following his side’s 1-0 defeat by Japan in their Group E opener.

A goal from Keisuke Honda in the 39th minute proved the difference between the sides at the Free State Stadium.
Le Guen had opted for an adventurous 4-3-3 formation but his side struggled to create any meaningful opportunities and could not break down a resolute Japan defence.

The closest they came to finding the target came five minutes from time when Stephane Mbia’s effort hit the bar and, with the talismanic Samuel Eto’o tightly marked, it was a frustrating afternoon for the African side.

Le Guen’s aim going into the tournament had been to try and emulate the team of 1990 that reached the quarter-finals but, with Netherlands winning earlier in the day in the group, his side faces an uphill struggle.

"Of course I am upset that we have lost the game but our attitude was wrong,” he said. "We were tense and nervous, especially in the first half. We did not show what we are capable of. We were not at our level and kept losing possession.”

Japan’s goal came as the result of poor defending when Cameroon failed to cut out a cross from Daisuke Matsui. Honda reacted quickly at the back post to finish well and Le Guen said: "My players were wrongly positioned.”

Honda’s star is rising as he sealed a move to CSKA Moscow at the turn of the year after playing for modest Dutch side VVV Venlo, helped the Russian side reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Japan arrived in South Africa without a win in five warm-up matches, scoring only one goal, but coach Takeshi Okada could afford a wry smile after the game.

Ends