CSKA Moscow star Keisuke Honda was jubilant following Japan's 1-0 win over Cameroon in their opening World Cup match in Bloemfontein last night.

The Blue Samurai took the lead through Honda in the 39th minute when he found space at the back post after Daisuke Matsui's cross evaded a host of Cameroonian defenders and he was able to control the ball and the stab home to give his side the lead.

Although 24-year old Honda was delighted to have been the scorer, he heaped praise on his teammates, especially for their defensive effort late in the piece when their African opponents pushed hard for a leveller.

"I had to stay calm when the ball came to me as we have missed chances in recent games," he said.

"It is not just about me, however, we defended well. Our team has not had good results but we got it right when it mattered."

Honda has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season in Russia with CSKA, helping guide them to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and now a match-winning goal on the world stage will only add to his CV.