The Republic of the Ireland’s World Cup Group E opponents Cameroon had to settle for a 0-0 draw against a rejuvenated Austria in an international friendly in a wet Vienna last night. The African and Olympic champions dominated the first half, but squandered the several chances they made and the home side had a much better second half.
Playing without key players Raymond Kalla and Patrick Mboma, Cameroon failed to find the form which had helped them twice come from behind to draw 2-2 with World Cup favourites Argentina last month. But Winfried Schaefer, Cameroon's German coach, said he had to be satisfied with the result.
"We played well in the first half, but squandered the chance to score a goal. After the break Austria countered extremely well, although we did make errors," Schaefer said.
Elsewhere, Argentina overcame the absence of several valued players to beat old rivals Germany 1-0. Midfielder Juan Pablo Sorin hit the only goal of the match with a header from a Gustavo Lopez cross three minutes into the second half. The two sides have fought many classic battles, including two World Cup finals, but Wednesday's clash was a rather dull affair with few highlights and five yellow cards.
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
