Beckenbauer - not impressed by Cameroon (Allsport)

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Cameroon started the World Cup with a bang but ended up as nothing more than "a Swiss firecracker".

That was the assessment of Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer, who watched his country persevere after being reduced to 10 men and beat the African champions 2-0 to advance to the second round.

Cameroon had a booming start in their first game, leading Ireland thanks to a Patrick Mboma goal, but after drawing with the Irish and edging Saudi Arabia, victory over Germany proved elusive and their tournament fizzled.

Cameroon's World Cup is over.

Beckenbauer, a winner as a Germany player and a coach, said: "We did not let them mess us around.

"Everybody expected a party from Cameroon after the sending-off, but all they showed was a Swiss firecracker.

"Cameroon played without motion and were horrible to watch. I have never seen anything like this at a World Cup."

Rudi Voller, the Germany coach, is among the relieved after seeing Carsten Ramelow sent off for two yellow cards in the first half.

Voller said: "I think I have lost a few kilos on the sideline. You could see that we were under a lot of pressure to survive this stage. After Carsten Ramelow got sent off, we were close to being beaten by them, but fortunately for us, (goalkeeper) Oliver Kahn has a super day.

"In the second half, we played decent football and after the second goal it was all done. The players did just what they needed to do and more importantly, when the needed to do it.

"This is how new teams are born."

Beckenbauer was not impressed with Spanish referee Lopez Nieto, who brandished 16 cards and sent off Ramelow in the process.

"I have known referee Nieto for a long time, but I have never seen him so bad as he was on Tuesday," he said.

"Maybe he wanted to set some kind of record. If so, he succeeded."

Ramelow must now sit out Germany's next game which could be against Spain if they lose to South Africa and finish second.

"The red card we just have to accept, although my opponent Samuel Eto'o played the ball very far in front of him and then he just dived," complaied defender Ramelow. "But I am happy that we have won the game and we are through to the next stage."

Cameroon boss Winfried Schafer, a German, was philosophical.

"We had our chances, but failed to score," he said.

"Congratulations to Rudi Voller. He showed that Germany were more experienced than my guys. We were very confident, but maybe way too nervous and the German side has become a great team over the weeks they are here."