World Cup Group D - Mexico Joins Portugal in the Last 16

Portugal 2 - Mexico 1


Missed both the Portugal goals, but caught the Fonseca header. Mexico missed a chance to draw level and confirm their place in the last 16 with a penalty but Omar Bravo, the hero of the first game shot over the crossbar to condemn Mexico to their first defeat in this World Cup.

The game was rough and physical. The Mexicans pushed hard for the equaliser the entire second half, and some of their passing in the Portugese penalty area was beautiful. Unfortunately they had Luis Perez sent off with a second yellow card for simulation on the hour. I thought the referee got it completely wrong. True Perez fell easily, but to his credit he did not ask for a penalty. The sending off took some of the steam out of the Mexicans.

By the 80th minute, news of favourable news from the other match must have filtered to the Mexican players. Well, either that or they were visibly tiring, as the pace slowed down considerably, and both teams played to a 2-1 scoreline.

Both teams seem to be in for a hard time having to face either Argentina or Holland in the next round. I doubt either one will make it to the semi finals with the standard of play on display today. Portugal at least rested a couple of key players like Ronaldo and Deco, however if they persist on playing the utterly useless Simao, the chances of them moving beyond the last 16 would be a stretch.

Iran 1 - Angola 1

Poor Angola. Midway thru the second half, when they were one nil up, there was actually a chance things could turn out in their favour if they scored another one and the Portguese scored another against Mexico. Unfortunately it was not to be. Angola leaves the World Cup with their heads held high, having performed credibly in this competition. Credit to Iran too, for having played thru a squad decimated by injuries.