MEXICO v PORTUGAL, ANGOLA v IRAN - MATCH REPORT
Toby Higgins

Mexico limped over the line into second place behind Portugal in Group D, who maintained their own 100% record in this summers competition.

Mexico went into their final game against the European side knowing that they would only need a draw to make it into the knockout stage for certain, and knew that a win over Portugal would see them win the group.

But despite starting the brighter side, Mexico found themselves behind after just six minutes, when Maniche arrived into the box to place a Simao pull back high into the net to give Portugal the lead.

And Portugal went two up when Mexican defender Rafael Marquez appeared to deliberately handle a corner from the right, and despite the best efforts of Oswaldo Sanchez to put off the penalty taker, Simao confidently strolled the ball past the 'keeper to double his sides lead.

Five minutes later Mexico had pulled one back, Franciso Fonseca rising unchallenged to head past Ricardo in the Portugal goal as Mexico pushed for an equaliser, and just after half time they had a glorious chance when they won a penalty after a foul by Miguel, but Omar Bravo blazed his spot kick high and wide.

After the break, Mexico's task was made harder when Luis Perez was dismissed for a second bookable offence, his second yellow harshly brandished for 'diving' in the penalty area, but despite that, they went on to have most of the play in the second half as Portugal's foot came off the gas.

Bravo was guilty of another miss after spinning the offside trap, but Mexico couldn't find the leveller, and can count themselves as unfortunate to have lost the game.

Meanwhile, in the other Group D game, Angola knew that they had a chance to qualify for the second round if Mexico lost, and they scored enough goals against Iran to improve their goal difference considerably.

After a goalless first half which lacked real quality, Angola went ahead on the hour, when substitute Flavio headed confidently past Ebrahim Mirzapour to give the Black Antelopes the lead.

But as they began to break free of their defensive shackles in the hope of a famous qualification, Iran equalised to break their hearts, when with fifteen minutes to play Sohrab Baktiarizadeh headed home to break Angolan hearts, and see Mexico go through.

Portugal win the group win maximum points after they saw off ten man Mexico, who crawl into second place despite defeat. Iran go home with just one point having never hit top gear, and Angola finished third, with two points. Portugal will face the runner up a Group C, which will be Holland, unless they beat Argentina in the evening game, and Mexico will play Argentina if they avoid defeat.

Player of the Group: Maniche - bossed Portugal's midfield during their games, and was a consistent goal threat. His awesome engine and ability to get from box to box means he will be one to watch in the next round.


BACK TO WORLD CUP INDEX PAGE