Portugal conquer Mexico while Iran end Angolan hopes

Portugal saw themselves through to the second stage of the World Cup with their third straight victory in Group D overnight, defeating Mexico 2-1, while a late equaliser from Iran enabled them to draw 1-1 with Angola.

It was a case of missed opportunities for Mexico as they repeatedly threw away their chances in front of goal and subsequently any hope of them coming out of Group D on top.

The villain for the Mexicans was without doubt Omar Bravo, who spurned countless chances in front of goal including missing from the penalty spot.

While the Mexicans failed to take their chances an under strength Portugal, who were missing carded stars Cristiano Ronaldo, Costinha, Deco, Nuno Valente and Pauleta, took theirs early and from the get go had the Mexican team under the pump.

A piece of individual brilliance saw Portugal score after just 6 minutes when Simao Sabrosa raced clear to put in a deft square ball, for a flying Maniche to crush the shot into the top corner of the net.

Soon after Omar Bravo could have been a contender for goal of the tournament but his acrobatic effort fell inches wide of the post.

In the 24th minute Mexico made a grave mistake when Rafael Marquez handled a Luis Figo corner sending Simao to the penalty spot, and he made no error smashing the shot into the net.

Mexico replied with their only goal of the game when Fonseca scored flicking a fine header into an unguarded far post, from a corner.

The second half produced countless chances, especially for Mexico, and Omar Bravo, who missed countless opportunities, looking dismayed after smashing his first half penalty well above the cross bar and try as he might he just couldn’t beat Ricardo between the posts.

The wash up is that both of these teams will need to look more assured in their coming games against Argentina and The Netherlands, if they wish to advance further in the tournament.

Despite scoring their first ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, it was not enough for the Angolan team, led by Akwa, do get the victory that they needed to be any chance of knocking Mexico out of second spot in the group.

The first half of this affair highlighted the abilities of the Goalkeepers if nothing else, with them both being called upon to make save after save, in what was turning out to be a very open game, the best chance of the half went to Akwa, who volleyed over the bar from close range.

Buoyed by the news that Portugal were looking like winners against Mexico, Angola came out a side full of purpose, dominating Iran in the early stages but still not taking their chances.

It looked as if Mendonca would score from 25 yards until his cracking effort drifted wide at the last second, but then it finally came for Angola in the 60th minute when Ze Kalanga crossed a perfect ball into the box for Flavio to head the ball home for his side’s maiden goal at this tournament.

Angola continued to impress and 9 minutes later they almost produced a carbon copy but Love headed straight to the waiting Mirzapour, who gratefully took the ball in his arms.

Then fate turned against the Angolans and their weak defence was once again exposed, when the Iranians scored from a relatively simple play finally beating a visibly upset Joao Ricardo, who had kept the Angolans in the hunt since the first minute of their opening game.

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