Austria and Cameroon draw a blank

Austria 0-0 Cameroon
2002 FIFA World Cup finalists Cameroon had to settle for a goalless draw with an improving Austria in an international friendly in a wet Vienna tonight.

Disappointing display
The African and Olympic champions dominated the first half, but failed to convert the chances they made. Playing without key players Raymond Kalla and Patrick Mboma, the Cameroonians failed to find the form that had helped them twice come from behind to draw 2-2 with World Cup co-favourites Argentina last month.

Ray of light
Austria, who drew 1-1 with Cameroon at their last meeting in the 1998 World Cup in France, have not qualified this time around, but will have been encouraged by a performance that kept coach Hans Krankl's mission to revive the national team on course.

Better team
Having beaten Slovakia 2-0 last month to end a run of embarrassing defeats, Austria shrugged off their insecurities in the second half and at times seemed to have the beating of the physical Cameroon defence.

Close shave
The home side nearly grabbed victory a minute from time when Markus Weissenberger latched on to a Ivica Vastic cross, but his header just clipped the bar.