Ireland looked distinctly second best at that point, but they managed a remarkable turn around in the second half.
Suddenly they took the game to Cameroon and they started to benefit from their positive attitude.
Cameroon retreated and were made to look ordinary as Ireland produced a vastly-improved all-round display.
The supply was better and the team looked like candidates for qualification from the group.
Everything about the performance was more incisive and I was impressed with the way they re-organised after the break.
Matt Holland kept his shot low and went for placement rather than power.
He couldn't have hit it any sweeter.
And they almost won it but Robbie Keane's excellent shot from the edge of the box cannoned back of the upright.
Keane's first touch was great and he hit it so early the goalkeeper did not even see it.
But the point, and the manner in which it was won, will put Ireland in a positive mood for their next match against Germany.