Olic gives Croatia 1-0 halftime lead over 10-man Cameroon

MANAUS Brazil (Reuters) - Livewire Ivica Olic's goal after 11 minutes gave Croatia a 1-0 halftime lead over 10-man Cameroon in the World Cup clash between the winless Group A sides on Wednesday.

In a match neither side can afford to lose - a defeat meaning a group stage exit - Olic fired in from close range after Ivan Perisic's delivery across the face of goal.

Toothless Cameroon were reduced to 10 men five minutes before halftime with Alex Song shown a straight red card for striking Mario Mandzukic in the 40th minute.

(Writing by Justin Palmer; editing by Ken Ferris)