Group D
Angola 0, Mexico 0Angola earned its first point at the World Cup, growing with confidence ahead of its final first-round match against what looks to be a beatable team.
The Black Antelopes have yet to score a goal in Germany, but drew 0-0 with Mexico on Friday after narrowly losing 1-0 to Portugal in their first match. Next up is Iran.
"It wasn't a surprise," captain Fabrice Akwa said. "Before the game, the coach asked us for a victory. He told us everything was possible against Mexico. We managed to do a good job."
Angola will face Iran on Wednesday in Leipzig.
The African team could advance with a win, depending on what happens in the other group matches. Portugal played Iran last night before winding up its Group D play against Mexico.
Angola struggled early against Mexico on Friday, but improved as the game wore on.
Goalkeeper Joao Ricardo, the man of the match, made some dramatic saves after his team was reduced to 10 men because of Andre's second yellow card in the 79th.
"Football is a question of luck," Ricardo said. "[But] the Antelopes have individuals who have qualities and the important thing is for us to believe in ourselves."
Mexico midfielder Pavel Pardo certainly agreed with Ricardo's initial assessment.
"He got lucky," Pardo said. "We had some balls that hit the post. We made chances to score, but we didn't."
Despite another scoreless match from striker Akwa, the Angolan defense improved, helping keep the Mexicans away from Ricardo's net.
Goncalves again brought on Pedro Mantorras as a late substitute, but this time he left Akwa on the field as well, doubling the attack in the hope of a goal.
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