Japan and Cameroon meet for the first time in what was the most boring game of the World Cup thus far. While the goal did prove to be the most exciting event of the game, the rest was just a lackluster and unimpressive performance from both sides.
What we expected?
A snoozer – While these are two talented teams, they are so balanced and off the radar that I doubt we will be able to really work up any real excitement for either of them. Since they’ve never played each other it’s a bit of a toss-up but let’s be honest, we already saw the real stars of the group with the Netherlands – Denmark game earlier on today.
If we were to predict, then we would expect Shunsuke Nakamura to do some great things for the Japanese side. Cameroon has Eto’o and Choupo Moting which I would expect at least one goal from in this round.
First Half
The game starts with a surprising twist – Japan’s Manager Takashi Okada has announced Honda as a lone striker, since he’s never played that position before this is a bit of shocker and should be an interesting match-up.
Cameroon looks to be pretty aggressive this game – but boredom starts to set in around the half hour mark. The Japanese side is looking pretty disheveled as their goal keeper goes out for a kick to goal only to drop it in Green fashion. Luckily no one was there to monopolize on the mistake.
Things start getting a bit better around the 37 minute mark when Cameroon star Choupo-Moting sends a ball to goal for the first time in the game. Two minutes later Keisuke Honda very much surprises us when a cross from Matsui flies over three Cameroon defenders right into Honda’s lap so to speak. The goal is the first of the game.
Other than the goal, this has been the most boring game of the world cup thus far.
Second Half
The second half starts off with a corner kick by Cameroon – but they’re unable to make it count.
Cameroon does impress me at the 49th minute when Eto’o gets passed three defenders before passing the ball to Choupo-Moting. Unfortunately he’s unable to make it anywhere from there but it was quite impressive. However, in the same breath he does something equally unimpressive like his poor attempt at kicking the ball (what he’s paid to do) at the fifty seventh minute.. I just shake my head in disappointment.
At the 86th minute, we see a bit of promise as Cameroon’s Stephane Mbia just misses the ball. The game ends as it starts however, with me left bored and just waiting for the Italy game. The crowd looks just as bored as it seemed to have emptied quite quickly throughout the second half of the game.
What’s Next?
Keep an eye out on June 19th for Japan vs. Netherlands (7:15pm ET) and Cameroon vs. Denmark (2:15pm ET).
Comments
John
June 14th, 2010 - 9:53:38 AM
how about the argentin game? They played slow, boring and uneventufl.
1
Tiffany
June 14th, 2010 - 10:30:36 AM
I guess it all depends on whose asking.. but for me, watching Messi is always worthwhile and entertaining. So I'd have to disagree.
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KDawg
June 14th, 2010 - 11:43:21 AM
Two cents from the peanut gallery, but I would have to agree that under normal circumstance, watching most South American teams play ball is entertaining. However this Argentine game was not outstanding. Messi although always in the right place, never seemed to be wearing his own shoes. If he was wouldn't at least one of his multiple opportunities have gone between the posts? Although in the end, as win is a win.
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Mike
June 14th, 2010 - 2:02:39 PM
Almost every game has been dreadful. Most boring World Cup ever!!!
4
mer
June 15th, 2010 - 7:20:36 PM
These games are boring by definition. Athletes have wasted their lives and should be pitied.
5