Shay Given: Made a number of important saves for his side and had no chance with the goal. 7.

Gary Kelly: A typically industrious display from the Leeds man. 7.

Gary Breen: Replaced the injured Kenny Cunningham but struggled with the pace of Patrick Mboma and Samuel Eto’o. 6.

Jason McAteer: Looked to be hampered by injury and was replaced at the break. 5.

Steve Staunton: The Aston Villa man was caught out for Cameroon’s opening goal but defended well. 7.

Ian Harte: Inspired his side with a typically energetic display but almost presented Cameroon with great chance before their equaliser. 7.

Matt Holland: Got to grips with the Cameroon midfield the longer the game wore on and took his goal well. 7.

Kevin Kilbane: Headed wide when presented with a good second-half chance and failed to make an impact. 6.

Mark Kinsella: Had a daunting task to replace Roy Keane and never got a grip of the midfield. 7.

Damian Duff: Another hard-working performance and enhanced his growing reputation. 7.

Robbie Keane: An energetic display from the Leeds United striker and hit the post late on. 7.

Subs: Steve Finnan (on for McAteer, 46 minutes): Handled himself well in difficult circumstances. 6.

CAMEROON

Kalla: Had no chance with Republic goal and looked vulnerable under pressure. 6.

Pierre Wome: Looked composed when his side were on top during the first-half but looked vulnerable when Ireland came at them after half-time. 6.

Alioum: Another player who looked nervous when under attack. 6.

Rigobert Song: A typically industrious display from the former Liverpool man. 6.

Lauren: Was found wanting when run at with pace. 7.

Geremi: The Real Madrid man was impressive both in defence and attack during the first-half but faltered as the game wore on. 7.

Samuel Eto’o: Cameroon’s best player and carved out his country’s goal. 8.

Marc-Vivien Foe: Hard-working performance from the former West Ham man but lost his way as Ireland came at them. 6.

Salomen Olembe: Impressive during the first half but faded as game went on. 6.

Bill Tchato: Lively display but also faded as game wore on. 6.

Patrick Mboma: Scored Cameroon’s goal and was a constant threat. 6.