Keane appeals in vain for a goal. (Allsport)

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The Republic of Ireland proved there is life after Roy Keane to ensure manager Mick McCarthy emerged from what he described as "the toughest week of my life" with his own reputation very much intact.

McCarthy's decision to expel influential skipper Roy Keane from the squad following a foul-mouthed tirade at the no-nonsense Yorkshireman more than a week ago, came under scrutiny the like of which he had never experienced.

The Republic's preparations for this latest World Cup campaign were overshadowed by events off the pitch, and in particular once Keane was back home in Manchester, as the question always remained as to whether he would extend an olive branch and so reclaim his place in the squad.

In the end it was never offered, leaving McCarthy the task of trying to clear his players' minds of the debacle which had served as an unwanted prelude to their opening Group E clash with Cameroon at Niigata's Big Swan Stadium.

Ireland certainly looked as if they missed Keane during an indifferent opening 45 minutes as Cameroon threatened an African win-double to start this tournament following Senegal's sensational victory over champions France.

The irrepressible Patrick Mboma, on loan with Sunderland towards the end of last season, marked his 50th cap with his 28th international goal in the 40th minute after strike partner Samuel Eto'o had done all the hard work.

But after the break Ireland looked more like the team which had finished unbeaten in their qualifying group, with Matt Holland's precision 22-yard right-footed drive the leveller early in the second half, which was dominated by McCarthy's boys in green.

Only the woodwork denied Robbie Keane a late winner, and few would have argued if Ireland had claimed the three points, with the obvious exception of those following Cameroon amongst the near-capacity 42,300 crowd, which was a sea of green.

For McCarthy, there was relief he was finally able to submerse himself in the World Cup proper as he said: "It's been the toughest week of my life.

"It's not been a good week for either me or my family, and I daresay it's not been a good week for Roy (Keane) and his family. That's all I'm going to say.

"But it's been tough for all of us. In terms of disruption to the squad, it's been one of the hardest weeks possible, so coming to this game was a blessed relief and I enjoyed it.

"So I've not been down, while the lads have been great in training. They've been in superb form as they showed in the second half when we improved considerably.

"There was a thing up on the board in the dressing room which read 'no regrets' and I think if we had played in the second half as we did in the first then we would have had regrets because we didn't do as well as we could.

"But individually we played far, far better than we did in the first and after the game I told the players 'well done'. They were excellent.

"Hearty congratulations and a pat on the back is well deserved to all the players. There's been a lot talked about the spirit and camaraderie and I think that has been shown today.

"Everybody who has supported us, I think we've repaid them in spades.

"It's nice to be walking away not having been beaten and having played well."

Germany's 8-0 hammering of Saudi Arabia in Sapporo leaves them sitting comfortably on top of the group, and Ireland knowing they cannot afford to lose to Rudi Voller's side on Wednesday if they are to have any chance of reaching the knock-out phase.

McCarthy is unfazed by the prospect of facing Germany as he added: "I don't think they are any better than Cameroon, although give them their due respect because they have won the competition three times.

"But I think there is an aura about Germany, and a certain feeling when you are playing against the former world champions because they are very disciplined and they'll have everything perfect and off to a tee in terms of organisation."

Ireland skipper Steve Staunton, who will earn his 100th cap against Germany, feels the team can build on their second half showing going into what is now a vital match.

"The key was not to lose the first game," said the Aston Villa defender.

"We have achieved that, but we've come out on a positive note because we've finished the game stronger and that was a big factor.

"The lads felt strong in the second half. We got our second wind and went at them a bit more and were more positive. We were fully rewarded for our play and our chances."

Cameroon coach Winfried Schafer declared himself "happy with the draw" as he felt his side had the pressure in the first half, only to fail in expressing themselves as freely as he would have liked in the second.

Schafer added: "The team is a bit down after this result because we led 1-0 and we failed to clinch the victory, and I know we can play better.

"It is up to me to strengthen the way we play in time for our game against Saudi Arabia when we must take the three points."