Japan's rising star Keisuke Honda savoured the moment after steering his side to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the World Cup, 24 hours on from his 24th birthday.

The Cameroon defence failed to cut out Daisuke Matsui's cross to the back post in the 39th minute and Honda reacted quickly. The CSKA Moscow midfielder produced a superb first touch before clipping the ball beyond stranded goalkeeper Hamidou Souleymanou.

He said: "This goal was a nice birthday present for me. I am so happy now and there is a great atmosphere in the team."