By MSN’s Lee Harvey
Last updated: June 21 2006
Day 13: Portugal win the group while Mexico deservedly scrape through at the expense of brave Angola
Portugal 2 – 1 Mexico
So much for Mexico playing out 90 dull minutes for the point they needed to progress! They opened brightly, went two goals behind and produced a spirited response ruined only by a poor refereeing decision.
Portugal coach Gene Hackman, sorry, Luiz Felipe Scolari rested all five of his players on a yellow card. His side were in front after five minutes when Maniche side-footed Simao’s cross into the roof of the net. And when Mexican captain Marquez inexplicably handled a Luis Figo corner, Simao crashed home a penalty to make it 2-0.
Fonseca grabbed a goal back with a glancing header from a corner (encouraging to see England aren’t the only team who can’t defend set pieces).
Chances for Marquez, Bravo and Fonseca came and went until another handball, this time from Miguel, gave the Mexicans a penalty. Unfortunately, Bravo ballooned his effort over the bar.
Mexico kept attacking but they were hijacked by the man in black. As Luis Perez jinked into the area, the ref ran into Maniche and stumbled. Perez went down under Miguel’s (admittedly slight) challenge. The ref, who can’t have seen the incident clearly, booked Perez for diving. It was his second booking and red swiftly followed yellow.
With news of Angola’s goal in Leipzig, Mexico looked certain to endure a nervous final 30 minutes. Instead, they continued to attack. And when news of Iran’s equaliser against Angola came through, their fans were relaxed enough to start two simultaneous Mexican waves!
With Portugal not really looking to extend their lead, the ten men of Mexico stood firm ensuring both teams went into round 2.
Iran 1 – 1 Angola
Angola needed a win plus a favour from their former colonial rulers Portugal if they were to finish second in the group. But, without a goal in 180 minutes of football, it was always going to be an uphill task.
Their cause wasn’t helped when midfielders Loco and Mateus were stretchered off within 2 minutes of each other. While they received treatment, Iran’s veteran striker Ali Daei wasted a chance from five yards out. Daei has scored more international goals (109) than any other player in the history of the game – which goes to show you can prove anything with statistics.
Angola’s performances have been full of heart and bravery in all 3 group games and they set up a potential fairytale finish when Amado Flavio headed them in front on the hour. One more goal and a goal from Portugal would have been enough for them to sneak in ahead of Mexico.
But it was not to be. They left Iranian centre back Bakhiarizadeh unmarked from a corner and he headed the equaliser to extinguish Angolan dreams.
Useful links
Group D final table
