Japan and Cameroon 0-0 after 15 minutes in Group E

Japan and Cameroon 0-0 early on

BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa — Cameroon and Japan were tied 0-0 after 30 minutes of their World Cup Group E match.

Both teams were cautious early in their first game Monday, with few threats and mostly long balls from the backline.

Cameroon striker Pierre Webo made one break down the right side of the penalty area in the eighth minute, but his low cross eluded Eric Choupo Moting.

The teams combined for one shot on goal in half an hour, with Cameroon’s star forward Samuel Eto’o starting on the right wing and well covered by Japan’s defense.

The match is being played in front of a disappointing crowd in Bloemfontein, with rows of empty seats.