SAITAMA -- Saudi Arabia became the first team to be eliminated from the 2002 World Cup after losing 1-0 to Cameroon in front of a crowd of 52,328 at Saitama Stadium on Thursday.
Samuel Eto'o's winner in the 65th minute made it mathematically impossible for the Saudis to advance from the group stage.
While the result puts Cameroon in joint top spot in Group E with Germany, its failure to score more than one goal may be significant. If Ireland beats Saudi Arabia (which now has nothing to play for) by more than one goal, it would mean that Cameroon would have to beat Germany to move into the Round of 16.