World Cup: Cameroon first team to be eliminated after defeat to Denmark

Cameroon became the first side to be eliminated from the 2010 World Cup after the Indomitable Lions somehow lost 2-1 to Denmark despite taking the lead and playing some superb soccer in their Group E match on Saturday.

Their defeat also meant that the Netherlands advanced to the second round after beating Japan 1-0 earlier.

Cameroon have no chance of qualifying following defeats in their opening two games.

"I will not resign," Cameroon's French coach Paul Le Guen told reporters after the game. He said he stood by the controversial selections he had made in the first game against Japan.

"I don't have any regrets and that's not how I operate," he said, adding that the team had given their very best but had been let down by their finishing.

After losing to Japan and facing some disarray in his camp, Le Guen brought back experienced pair Alexandre Song and Geremi into the starting lineup along with forward Achille Emana, while Jean Makoun, Eric Choupo-Moting and Joel Matip dropped to the bench.

His decision to add a bit more steely experience paid off in just the 10th minute of the match when Christian Poulsen's woeful square pass was comfortably intercepted by Achille Webo.

Webo found skipper and three-time African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o in the penalty box and the latter kept his composure to rifle the ball past Danish keeper Thomas Sorensen.

Denmark equalised after 33 minutes when a superb long upfield pass from Simon Kjaer found Dennis Rommedahl who crossed for Nicklas Bendtner to slide in and score.

There were dramatic chances for both teams at either end but Rommedahl was the one who found the net after 61 minutes, curling a shot home after making space for himself at the edge of the box.

Denmark can advance if they beat Japan in their last match.