Of course, it could have been a whole lot better if Robbie Keane's late cracker had gone inside the post instead of off it.
Ireland, who started cautiously, had grown in confidence as the first half progressed.
But to concede a goal just six minutes before half-time was a bad blow.
You could see McCarthy slump back in his dug-out seat and a few heads drop on the Irish team.
However, going by statistics, a draw in Niigata was the most likely outcome.
Ireland had won only once in World Cup finals. Cameroon had failed to register a victory in their last seven finals matches.
Another telling statistic was Patrick Mboma's startling strike rate in internationals.
When the Sunderland player stroked the ball in from seven yards, off he went to celebrate his 28th goal in 50 games for the African and Olympic champions.
Temporarily, the upbeat Irish fans were on a downer.
Many spent the half-time interval with head in hands wondering if Ireland's great World Cup adventure was to come unstuck on day one.
Remember, Ireland's strength has long been their ability to avoid defeat against classy, maybe more technically gifted, opposition.
Happily for the Irish players that ability was not to elude them in their hour of need.
And, on the final whistle, they were cheered loudly as they went over to the Irish fans to acknowledge the extraordinary support they had received.
You would have thought Ireland had won the game. They almost did in a rousing finale.
Matty Holland is now an Irish folk hero.