Samurai Blue secured their first win in the World Cup since 2002 thanks to the solitary goal from belated birthday boy, Honda in the first half.

The tie was very scrappy in the early exchanges of the game as neither team were able to keep possession for more than 10 seconds as they always pump the ball forward in hope that it will land to a teammate.

The roars from the Les Lions Indomptables fans are much louder than the much-maligned vuvuzelas whenever Inter Milan star Eto’o touches the ball.

Japan are not showing any attacking intent beyond the half-way line as none of the Japanese players are stepping up to the mark, a stark contrast to neighbouring country, South Korea.

The first shot on target finally came on the 37th min, albeit being a weak attempt on goal by Enoh.

Japan however, felt the impetus to attack Cameroon after their defence was tested a min earlier.

They were duly rewarded when Honda placed the ball from 6 yards out in the back of the after some good work down the right flank from Matsui.

Cameroon then had the energy to thrust for an equalizer early in the second half as Eto’o weaved his way through the Japan’s defence. He then crossed the ball to Choupo-Moting who scooped the ball way off the target.

Paul Le Guen insistence of playing Eto’o as a right-winger is proving to be costly as penetrations of the Cameroon attack were toothless for most parts of the game, with only 1 shot on target up to the hour mark.

The Cameroons came closest to rescuing a point on the 86 min as Mbia’s effort rattled the crossbar.

Cameroon couldn’t find a way to breach Japan’s defence. Will the defeat prove costly for the Les Lions Indomptables?