Angola gained their first world cup point in history with a sensational and ground breaking draw against a lackluster Mexico. The result now means that La Volpe’s side must beat Portugal in the last game to ensure qualification to the knockout stages.
However if Mexico slip up and Angola can beat Iran then they will be the second team into the knockout stages of their first World Cup.
The point to Angola meant more than just an opportunity to qualify for second phase, but the pride which they showed in going about their business gave us a flavour of what the World Cup is all about.
Mexico enjoyed the best of the chances but could simply not break down the Angola’s rear guard, despite playing with ten men for a period of the game.
The team ranked fourth in the World started with a similar side to the one which had faced Iran in their first group game, Zinha came in after being an influential substitute but it was Omar Bravo who posed the biggest goal threat after scoring twice in their opening game.
Angola began with the same side which was unlucky to be on the end of a defeat to Portugal, despite start poorly in their last game Angola had warmed to the pace of the tournament and looked to impose some pressure on their opponents during the early stages.
The story of the game however was similar to that of their opener against the European favourites for group D, an early warning from Marquez due to a blasted free kick hit the post and warned the debutants to step up their play of be embarrassed. They got better as the first half went on but it was still Mexico who dominated the play, being unable to capitalize on their good start the Mexican’s became nervous and had it not been for a poor finish from captain Akwa they could have gone behind in shock fashion.
For Mexico it was a simple story of their play breaking down in the final third, their impressive play was going unwarranted because of numerous wasteful first touches and bad short passes, a sign of nerves which the coach heeded and duly began making some changes.
The second half began with a fury as Mexico took the lead almost instantly with substitute Arellano creating havoc in the Angola defense. His headed pass into the path of Franco leaving the striker with a chance which was palmed away by the goalkeeper, the ball was not safe as a second attempt came in but Angola were able to clear their lines to avoid another warning.
Moments later a great piece of work down the right hand side led to a good and necessary piece of handling from Joao Ricardo in the Angolan goal who plucked the ball of Bravo’s head before he could give his side the lead. Mexico however could still not find the breakthrough as a mistake in the defense of Angola led to another chance, but good recovery play and a weak finish snuffed their latest opportunity out.
La Volpe became increasingly frustrated by his sides’ inability to score a goal despite the waves of possession and chances they had. Angola made their job to cling on for a point even harder when Andre was sent off for deliberate handball and a second bookable offense.
Angolan’s minds were now firmly set to defending, chances were still falling to Mexico however but they seemingly continued to conspire to miss them. First Fonseca hit a sliced volley wide of the post from eight yards and then Bravo’s hard luck story continued as he hit the post from close range after Fonseca flicked on.
Despite all the Mexican pressure and long balls in the final minutes, it was not enough to deny Angola their moment of glory and their first point in World Cup finals history.
However if Mexico slip up and Angola can beat Iran then they will be the second team into the knockout stages of their first World Cup.
The point to Angola meant more than just an opportunity to qualify for second phase, but the pride which they showed in going about their business gave us a flavour of what the World Cup is all about.
Mexico enjoyed the best of the chances but could simply not break down the Angola’s rear guard, despite playing with ten men for a period of the game.
The team ranked fourth in the World started with a similar side to the one which had faced Iran in their first group game, Zinha came in after being an influential substitute but it was Omar Bravo who posed the biggest goal threat after scoring twice in their opening game.
Angola began with the same side which was unlucky to be on the end of a defeat to Portugal, despite start poorly in their last game Angola had warmed to the pace of the tournament and looked to impose some pressure on their opponents during the early stages.
The story of the game however was similar to that of their opener against the European favourites for group D, an early warning from Marquez due to a blasted free kick hit the post and warned the debutants to step up their play of be embarrassed. They got better as the first half went on but it was still Mexico who dominated the play, being unable to capitalize on their good start the Mexican’s became nervous and had it not been for a poor finish from captain Akwa they could have gone behind in shock fashion.
For Mexico it was a simple story of their play breaking down in the final third, their impressive play was going unwarranted because of numerous wasteful first touches and bad short passes, a sign of nerves which the coach heeded and duly began making some changes.
The second half began with a fury as Mexico took the lead almost instantly with substitute Arellano creating havoc in the Angola defense. His headed pass into the path of Franco leaving the striker with a chance which was palmed away by the goalkeeper, the ball was not safe as a second attempt came in but Angola were able to clear their lines to avoid another warning.
Moments later a great piece of work down the right hand side led to a good and necessary piece of handling from Joao Ricardo in the Angolan goal who plucked the ball of Bravo’s head before he could give his side the lead. Mexico however could still not find the breakthrough as a mistake in the defense of Angola led to another chance, but good recovery play and a weak finish snuffed their latest opportunity out.
La Volpe became increasingly frustrated by his sides’ inability to score a goal despite the waves of possession and chances they had. Angola made their job to cling on for a point even harder when Andre was sent off for deliberate handball and a second bookable offense.
Angolan’s minds were now firmly set to defending, chances were still falling to Mexico however but they seemingly continued to conspire to miss them. First Fonseca hit a sliced volley wide of the post from eight yards and then Bravo’s hard luck story continued as he hit the post from close range after Fonseca flicked on.
Despite all the Mexican pressure and long balls in the final minutes, it was not enough to deny Angola their moment of glory and their first point in World Cup finals history.