MEXICO v PORTUGAL - MATCH PREVIEW II
Andy Morgan

The Portuguese are still on a high after qualifying for the second round of the World Cup for the first time since 1966. That time, Portugal finished third and are hoping to do better here in Germany. This is why Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is stating he will go out and try to win against Mexico to carry the momentum forward into the Second Round, particularly as they have a good chance of breaking down the Dutch, if not the Argentinians. He has, however, stated that he will rest some players for the Mexico tie.

The Mexicans are without tailsmanic striker Jared Borgetti who picked up a hamstring injury against Iran during their opening game. They will struggle without the Bolton man's goals as with a goal to game ratio of one every two, and with thirty-seven goals to his credit he is a striker who is far more prolific than any other in the Mexico squad. The Mexicans were toothless against a ten-man Angola side and were unable to break through despite launching numerous shots on the African's goals in a match they dominated. Mexico are hoping he will be fit for their second round game should the qualify.

Both their goal-scorers in the match against Iran however will be playing, with Omar Bravo and Zinha set to start in attack and midfield respectively. Bravo's will be looking to add to his brace against the Iranians here whilst Zinha, in supporting the attack from midfield will also be looking to add to his tally of five goals in just over thirty appearances for his country.

Mexico, like their Portuguese counterparts, are set to go out for the win, with midfielder Pavel Pardo urging his team to play for the victory. In stating that this is the only result they are focussing on Pardo is sounding off a statement of intent lest the unlikely happy and the Mexican's fail to qualify due to an Angolan win in Leipzig.

The African side need to defeat already eliminated Iran if they are to stand any chance of progressing into Round Two for the first time in their history. This is their first World Cup Final and just to be in contention on the final day of group games is seen as an achievement in the African nation.

Angola need a win and must hope that the Mexican's slip up against Portugal. Because of this Angola are expected to drop the defensive 4-5-1 policy that ground out a 0-0 draw against Mexico to accommodate a second striker to operate alongside Fabrice Akwa. This is a move that will be greeted with relief by the Al Wakra frontman who has been frustrated during this campaign with a lack of someone he can play off. Akwa with thirty-three goals in sixty-nine games before going into this World Cup is a potent threat and is seen as the best hope for Angola to score their first ever World Cup goal.

He is likely to play alongside Gil Vicente striker Mateus, who has a scoring ratio of a goal a game. He is however inexperienced and will look to feed off Akwa in the hope they can find the goal that is necessary for them to stand any hope of qualifying. Twelve goals in ten in qualifying (excluding the preminary rounds) is not a good return and they must improve on this if they want to progress here.

Angola will also have to be defensively strong. With six goals conceded in qualifying a shut out is possible, particularly if Joao Ricardo performs the heroics he demonstrated against the Mexicans. Iran's defence is similarly competent, with seven goals in twelve conceded in qualifying but in their three goal mauling by the same side, the Angolan's will fancy their chances of at least nicking one.

Iran have the experience of Javad Nekonam taken away from him through suspension and Ali Karimi, their main midfield attacking threat is struggling with an injury to his ankle. Veteran striker Ali Daei is likely to start in his place. He is two matches away from 150 appearances for his country. In that time he has scored 109 goals so far and is a clear threat. The Angolan defence must concentrate as he only needs one chance to score.

Iran are only playing for pride but their coach, Branko Ivankovic has demanded a 'dignified' exit for the Middle Eastern team. This is also his final game managing the Iranians and he will want to go out on a high. These feelings are echoed by many of the Iranian players who want to out with honour and bid a respectable farewell to their fans in Germany.

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