Ireland fought back from a Patrick Mboma strike to earn a well-earned draw against Cameroon in their opening World Cup game in Niigata.

Mboma, who spent part of last season on loan at Sunderland, opened the scoring in the 39th minute when he converted from close range following good work from Samuel Eto'o.

But the plucky Irish fought back and proved there is life after Roy Keane when Ipswich midfielder Matt Holland drew Ireland level with a stunning drive seven minutes into the second half.

In the other Group E match today Germany thumped Saudi Arabia 8-0 with Miroslav Klose grabbing a hat-trick.

Michael Ballack, Carsten Jancker, Thomas Linke, Oliver Bierhoff and Bernd Schneider completed the rout, which was the biggest since Hungary's 10-1 win over El Salvador in 1982.

Former Newcastle striker Jon Dahl Tomasson grabbed both goals as Denmark opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Uruguay.

Tomasson put the Danes 1-0 up just before half-time but Uruguay hit back just a minute into the second half when Dario Rodriguez produced a stunning effort giving Sunderland 'keeper Thomas Sorensen no chance.

Tomasson sealed victory when he glanced home Martin Jorgensen's cross.

Germany will be hoping to avoid the tournaments next upset when they take on Saudi Arabia (12.30 ko).