Relieved Mexicans stumble into last 16

Portugal 2 Mexico 1

They moved through despite yesterday’s defeat by Portugal as Angola could only manage a 1-1 draw against Iran.

Mexico, coming off a win and a draw, missed a penalty and played the last 30 minutes with 10 men.

“We always knew this going to be a difficult group – everyone of the groups is difficult, said La Volpe. “But now we can plan for the weekend and look forward to the next challenge.”

Mexico made it difficult for themselves at the Schalke Arena. Jose Fonseca missed a clear chance after two minutes then Maniche and Simao Sabrosa’s penalty put Portugal in the driving seat. Fonseca made amends by pulling a goal back only for Omar Bravo to miss a penalty.

And they were reduced to 10 men when Luis Perez was sent off for two yellow cards.

“I think my team felt a lot of pressure and that’s why we missed so many chances, including the penalty,” admitted La Volpe. “Perhaps we will be more at ease when it comes around to our next game.”

Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari rested among others Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Pauleta as they were all on one yellow card.

But his side still managed to notch up their third straight victory and top the group and stretched their unbeaten run to 17 international games, during which they have allowed just six goals.

“This was as tough a game as we had expected, but I asked my players to make it hard for me to pick my team for the next round, and they did that,” Portuguese coach Scolari said.

“The only disappointment is we took too many risks after they went a man down and that could have cost us.

“The next game is hugely important. From now on, if a team is a bit off-colour, it can pay a heavy price,” said Scolari.

Portugal took the lead though in the sixth minute with a marvellous goal from Chelsea midfielder Maniche, who raced into the box and to get on the end of a Simao cross and finish emphatically.

Two minutes later Bravo almost equalised, his chip from close range going narrowly wide of the post.

Portugal extended their lead in the 24th minute when Simao confidently converted a penalty awarded after a needless handball by Mexico captain Rafael Marquez.

Mexico almost equalised a minute before half-time but Ricardo made a good block from Pavel Pardo, who rattled in a free-kick from distance at the start of the second half which was marginally off target.

They wasted a great chance to equalise in the 58th minute when Miguel handled in the area. But Bravo, opting for power, sent his spot-kick high over the bar.

PORTUGAL: Ricardo, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira 61), Ricardo Carvalho, Meira, Caneira, Petit, Maniche, Tiago, Figo (Boa Morte 80), Simao, Postiga (Nuno Gomes 69).

MEXICO: Sanchez, Pineda (Castro 69), Marquez, Osorio, Salcido, Rodriguez (Zinha 45), Pardo, Perez, Mendez (Franco 80), Fonseca, Bravo.

Torrado. Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).

Attendance: 52,000