Fifa World Cup 2006 -Buletin Box-

[IbLIsH]

Miroslav Klose celebrated his 28th birthday with two goals against Costa Rica.

MUNICH, Germany -- Germany responded to the pressure as the World Cup's host nation with a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in the tournament opener Friday, a performance that could inspire the team the rest of the way.

Captain Michael Ballack missed the game with a calf injury, but striker Miroslav Klose scored twice on his 28th birthday, offsetting two goals by Paulo Wanchope of Costa Rica.

"That's how I imagined this day, more or less," Klose said. "Every opener is difficult and we are pleased that we won."

The game had the most goals since opening matches were introduced in 1966, thanks mainly to Germany staying true to its style under coach Juergen Klinsmann: creating many chances and playing recklessly on defense.

"The goals we conceded were our own fault. We must recover better after losing possession," Klose said.

The Germans got an immediate boost when defender Philipp Lahm, still wearing a special brace after surgery on his left elbow three weeks ago, curved in a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the sixth minute. He got the open space he needed when Luis Marin slipped, leaving Lahm plenty of time to aim his shot into upper far corner.

That should have been the instant lift Germany needed, but Costa Rica stunned the hosts in the 12th minute. Veteran striker Wanchope beat the German offside trap and coolly slipped the ball past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann.

Suddenly, it was 1-1, and Germany's young and inexperienced defense was exposed.

It didn't take Germany long to recover, though.

Bernd Schneider broke through on the right side and passed to Bastian Schweinsteiger, who sent a crisp pass to the far post for Klose to knock in after 17 minutes.

It was the fastest three goals scored in a World Cup opener.

In the 61st, Klose's header was saved by goalkeeper Jose Porras, but the Bundesliga's leading scorer fired the rebound high into the net -- and Germany seemed safe.

Not quite, as Wanchope got his second in the 73rd, again beating the offside trap. A through pass caught Germany's central defenders Per Mertesacker and Christoph Metzelder flat-footed. Wanchope shrugged off a late challenge by Arne Friedrich to beat Lehmann for the second time.

Torsten Frings clinched the win in the 87th with a wicked 30-yard shot that gave relief to an entire country. The capacity crowd of 66,000 gave the German team a standing ovation as it saluted the fans.

"We wanted to play well and get the fans involved. We were a little bit nervous, we made some mistakes, but they happen," Klinsmann said. "We can draw a lot of positives from this game."

[Nneel]

Nice Work.......Keep It up Brother.

[CoLd_PlaY]

Ya...good job bro....keep it up

[_MuHaI_]

yo mamu...
Keep it uppp

[IbLIsH]

POLAND 0-2 ECUADOR

Ecuadorean forward Agustin Delgado (top) kicks the ball to score despite Polish goalkeeper Artur Boruc during the Fifa World Cup 2006 group A football match Poland vs. Ecuador, 09 June 2006 at Gelsenkirchen stadium.




Luis Suarez’s Ecuador side began their 2006 FIFA World Cup™ campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Poland in Gelsenkirchen on Friday, 9 June 2006.
A hard-fought encounter witnessed goals either side of half-time for La Tri. Carlos Tenorio profited from Agustin Delgado’s flicked header in the 24th minute to give the South Americans the lead.
With ten minutes of normal time remaining, the provider turned goalscorer as Delgado side-footed home from close range to put Ecuador second in the Group A table behind Germany on goal difference.
The match:

5': The balmy late spring conditions in Gelsenkirchen contrasted with those in Barcelona where the teams met in a friendly last year just ahead of the Final Draw for Germany 2006. On that evening, a torrential downpour did not prevent Poland from scoring a convincing 3-0 victory. However, Ecuador began this first competitive fixture between the nations brightly and Luis Valencia had the first attempt, screwing a 20 yarder wide of the target.
11': It was a fast opening with the excitement generated by the teams' colourful and boisterous followings adding to the tempo. While Ecuador goalkeeper Cristian Mora's painted face caught the eye, Artur Boruc was the busier of the two keepers. The Celtic custodian had to be alert to stop a speculative 30-yard volley from Segundo Castillo.
24': Chances were few and far between but just as it appeared the game would become a midfield battle, the South Americans struck in a straightforward fashion. Ulises de la Cruz hurled in a long throw from the right, Agustin Delgado provided the flick-on and Tenorio, reading the move to perfection, raced in to guide his header into the far corner of the net. (0-1)
29': On top now, Ecuador almost doubled their lead with a copycat move. De la Cruz threw the ball in, Tenorio, this time at the near post, muscled his way to the goal-line and cut the ball back but Delgado, six yards out, could not keep his effort down.
38': Boruc was called into action twice in four minutes as Ecuador refused to sit on their lead. He kept out a thunderous 35-yard free-kick from Edison Mendez before holding on well to Valencia's effort from the right-hand side of the box.
Plenty of spirit:
46' The legions of Polish supporters that had travelled across Germany for the game saw their team dominate possession at the beginning of the second half but they were getting no joy from an Ecuadorian defence prepared to throw their bodies into every challenge.
62’:Now playing on the break, La Tri almost grabbed the second goal. Delgado turned neatly on the edge of the box, raced towards goal before tumbling under the challenge of Mariusz Jop. The referee waved play on as the hearts of Polish fans skipped a beat.
73’: Pawel Janas' men were unable to create a clear-cut opening while the sights of Ecuador’s forwards were set firmly between the goalposts. Another Mendez effort from distance forced Boruc into more action as the game became increasingly stretched.
80’:The South Americans doubled their advantage with a devastating move. Mendez split the Polish defence with an inch-perfect pass, substitute Ivan Kaviedes, unselfishly, drew Boruc before squaring to Delgado, who, completely unmarked, side-footed the ball into the empty net.
86’: With the clock ticking down, Poland twice came within a whisker of halving the deficit. First Ireneusz Jelen saw his left-foot snapshot strike the bar, then another substitute, Pawel Brozek, watched agonisingly as his curling effort from the right edge of the box crashed off the post to safety.
In conclusion:
Learning from their debut at the FIFA World Cup four years ago, Ecuador produced a highly efficient team performance to deservedly take the three points in their opening game. Poland, more direct and anxious, will need to improve if they are to take something from their eagerly awaited fixture against hosts Germany.

[IbLIsH]

ENGLAND 1-0 PARAGUAY

England's Rio Ferdinand, left, celebrates with captain David Beckham after England scored the opening goal during the group B match of the soccer World Cup 2006 between England and Paraguay in the World Cup stadium Frankfurt, Germany, Saturday, June 10, 2006.
England got their FIFA World Cupâ„¢ campaign off to a winning start in Frankfurt with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Paraguay on Saturday, 11 June 2006.
However, they did not have their own way against the South Americans, who gave Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men some nervous moments during the 90 minutes.
The only goal of the game came in the third minute when David Beckham’s free-kick skimmed off the head of Carlos Gamarra and into the net.
Paraguay pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but despite their best efforts, a goal was not forthcoming and most now turn their attentions to their next Group B game against Sweden in Berlin next Thursday.
The match:
3’: England took an early lead, courtesy of an own goal by Carlos Gamarra. David Beckham curled in a free-kick from the left flank and the Paraguay captain inadvertently flicked the ball into the net with his head, beating the despairing dive of goalkeeper Justo Villar (1-0).
8’: Villar’s unhappy start to the tournament was compounded when he raced out to clear an England attack, but in kicking the ball away from Michael Owen he injured himself and Aldo Bobadilla came off the bench to replace him in goal.
10‘: Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard, passed fit for the match after struggling with a hip injury in the build-up, tried his luck with a right-footed volley but the effort flashed over.
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13‘: Bobadilla conceded an indirect free-kick on the edge of his area but Frank Lampard failed to make the most of the chance.
17‘: Carlos Paredes tried to inject some life into Paraguay with a drive from 20 yards, but it passed harmlessly wide of England goalkeeper Paul Robinson’s post.
19‘: Cristian Riveros had a shot on target for Paraguay, but Robinson dived low to his left to smother it well. Gerrard picked up the game’s first yellow card for the challenge he made in trying to close Riveros down.
22‘: Lampard played a neat one-two with Crouch and forced Bobadilla into a save with a fierce drive.
43‘: After a relatively quiet passage of the game, Beckham tried to find his range from open play with a curling shot from 18 metres, but it flashed just past the post and out for a goal kick.
Paraguay push for equaliser: 47+‘: Nelson Valdez had Paraguay’s best chance of the first half in stoppage time after picking up a loose ball inside the penalty area and firing in a right-foot shot, although he failed to hit the target. 53‘: The second half began at a much slower pace, with the heat in Frankfurt having taken its toll on the players. Roberto Acuna tried to catch the England defence off-guard with a quick free-kick for , but it rolled through to Robinson without troubling him at all.
58‘: Joe Cole brought Bobadilla into action with a low drive, but the Paraguayan was equal to it with a smart stop.
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59‘: An anxious moment came for Robinson when he failed to gather Carlos Bonet’s cross at the first attempt. Paredes tried to hook the ball over the onrushing keeper but could not keep the ball down.
64‘: Valdez turned inside Gerrard and sent in a decent shot with his left foot, but the effort went straight into Robinson’s arms. The Tottenham keeper brought a collective smile to the crowd when his towering clearance bounced back off the giant video screen hanging over the centre circle in Frankfurt.
73‘: With England struggling to find the rhythm they managed in the early part of the game, Lampard injected some dynamism back into their play with a stinging attempt which brought the best out of Bobadilla, who palmed the ball over the bar.
88‘: Lampard once again tested Bobadilla with a powerful shot, but the Paraguay keeper denied him by tipping the ball round the post for a corner.
In conclusion:
England got the opening win they were looking for, but the performance in the second half was less than convincing. Paraguay can take heart from their battling display, though they had no reward for their efforts.

English midfielder David Beckham controls the ball in his team's victory against Paraguay in their first round Group B 2006 World Cup football match at Frankfurt's World Cup Stadium, 10 June 2006.

Paraguayan midfielder Carlos Paredes (L) tries a shot as English goalkeeper Paul Robinson (R) attempts to block during their first round Group B 2006 World Cup football match at Frankfurt's World Cup Stadium, 10 June 2006.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO 0-0 SWEDEN

An amazing match in Dortmund saw FIFA World Cupâ„¢ debutants Trinidad and Tobago hold Sweden to a goalless draw on Saturday, 10 June 2006.
An injury to the Soca Warriors' first-choice goalkeeper Kelvin Jack shortly before kick-off gave West Ham United's Shaka Hislop a chance to shine on the world's biggest stage. Hislop did that - and more - as the 37-year-old pulled off a string of superb saves to deny Ibrahimovic, Larsson and Co.

The final scoreline was made all the more incredible as Trinidad and Tobago, ranked 47th in the world, compared to Sweden's 16, had Avery John sent-off in the 46th minute for two bookable offences.

At full-time, the Caribbean side's players and supporters danced for joy, while Lars Lagerback's men slumped to the turf in disappointment. The match may not have produced any goals, but the drama was there for all to see.

The Match:
5‘:Roared on by thousands of supporters clad in yellow, Sweden began the match on the attack. Freddie Ljungberg was brought down by Dwight Yorke on the edge of the box and Henrik Larsson crashed the resulting free kick narrowly wide.

15‘:Trinidad and Tobago’s Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker had told his players to perform with a smile on their faces but it was the Scandinavians who looked amused as they watched Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s acrobatic effort sail inches over.

22‘:The elegant Juventus player was in the thick of the action and after being sent clear by Larsson, he just failed to pick out his fellow forward with a delicate centre.

34‘:The smallest nation in the finals, with a population of just 1.1m, Trinidad and Tobago were certainly not being overawed on their debut. Fearless in defence, they were not afraid to throw men forward and from one fast counter-attack Carlos Edwards forced Rami Shabaan into a good save with a powerful strike from fully 30 yards.

38‘:The game was opening up and back at the other end, Ljungberg found space down the right to cross, but Larsson, leaping at the back post, could not quite guide his header on target.

40‘haka Hislop, who had replaced Kelvin Jack in the starting line-up moments before kick-off, was twice called into action inside two minutes as Sweden pressed before the break. First he tipped over a fierce drive from Christian Wilhelmsson struck with the outside of the boot. Then the West Ham United keeper flung himself to his left to parry a half-volley from Ibrahimovic after the tall forward had brought the ball down superbly on the edge of the area.

Seeing red:
46‘:Avery John became the first player to be sent off in the finals after he received a second yellow a minute into the second period for a two-footed challenge on the lively Wilhelmsson.

58’:Playing against 10 men, Sweden were still struggling to find gaps in the Caribbean islanders’ solid defence. Erik Edman bent in a teasing cross but Ibrahimovic, rising six yards out, could not keep his header down.

59’:Lars Lagerback’s men were given a scare moments later. Finding himself without support on the edge of the box, substitute Glenn Cornell decided to try his luck and watched his rasping drive crash off the crossbar.

59’:Back at the other end, Ibrahimovic, who was moving well across the line, bought some space at the back post with a feint but could find no way past Hislop.

76’: Thrown on to grab the elusive goal, substitute Markus Allback found the ball was rolling equally unkindly. The Copenhagen striker had four chances in as many minutes. With one, he shot tamely at Hislop from the edge of the box and after latching onto Larsson’s pass with another, he could only poke the ball against Hislop’s body from 10 yards.

82’: Sweden were pouring forward now but there was no-one on the end of an enticing centre from another substitute, Mattias Jonson.

88’: Heroically, Trinidad and Tobago were chasing and charging down everything. Ibrahimovic, picking up the ball on the right-side of the area, found some space late on but he, like the droves of Swedish supporters, watched agonisingly as the final shot whistled over.

In conclusion:
Competing in their first finals, Trinidad and Tobago pulled off a famous result, showing tenacity and no lack of tactical discipline to hold the more favoured Sweden to a goalless draw. Playing against 10 men for virtually the entire second half, Scandinavia’s sole representatives were unable to break through and will now have to regroup for their next match against Paraguay.

[IbLIsH]

ARGENTINA 2-1 CÔTE D'IVOIRE



Argentina's Hernan Crespo jubilates after he scored the first goal during the Argentina' vs Ivory Coast, Group C, World Cup 2006 soccer match at World Cup stadium, Hamburg, northern Germany, on Saturday, June 10, 2006.

In a highly entertaining Group C game in Hamburg, two first half goals from Hernan Crespo and Javier Saviola helped Argentina to a 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire in Hamburg on Saturday, 10 June 2006.
The Albiceleste took the lead in the 24th minute when Crespo scored a classic poacher’s goal. Henri Michel’s side failed to deal with a Juan Riquelme free-kick and the Chelsea striker was on hand to turn the loose ball home.

Argentina doubled their advantage fourteen minutes later when Riquelme picked out Saviola with a great pass and the striker produced a beautiful finish to steer the ball past Jean-Jacques Tizie.

Didier Drogba, Crespo’s team-mate at Chelsea, gave the Ivorians hope with a goal eight minutes from time, but the South Americans hung on to secure the three points.

The match:
3‘: Côte d’Ivoire forward Didier Drogba had his first sight of goal but his header missed the target by some distance and flew over the top of the crossbar.

14‘: Argentina’s Juan Riquelme released Maxi Rodriguez, who whipped in a dangerous cross and Côte d’Ivoire defender Kolo Toure just beat Hernan Crespo to it to concede a corner before the Chelsea striker was able to pounce.

15‘: From the resulting corner, Roberto Ayala powered a header towards goal and the Elephants’ keeper Jean-Jacques Tizie was relieved to gather it at the second attempt.

24‘: The Albiceleste moved in front as the game took on a frenetic pace. Riquelme provided the cross from a free-kick and when the Ivorians failed to deal with it and clear their lines, Crespo was on hand to stab the loose ball home past Tizie (1-0).

30‘: As the TV cameras picked out Argentine legend Diego Maradona looking happy in the crowd in Hamburg, Bonaventure Kalou tried to wipe the smile off his face by bursting into the area and shooting, but his effort flashed past the post.


35‘: Drogba’s cushioned header provided the Elephants’ midfielder Kader Keita with a fantastic opportunity to equalise, but as he stooped to try to guide the ball home with his head, Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri blocked the attempt with his legs.

38‘: Argentina extended their lead and, once again, the outstanding Riquelme was the provider. He cleverly steered the ball through to Javier Saviola, who beat the offside trap to quickly poke the ball past Tizie (2-0).

Argentina search for third:
48‘: Argentina wasted little time as they went in search of a third killer goal. Saviola fed Rodriguez in space. He took a touch to steady himself before clipping the ball over the crossbar.

55‘: Villarreal playmaker Riquelme continued to cause havoc for Côte d’Ivoire with his crosses. He came close to scoring directly from a free-kick near the corner flag as his pacy curling delivery evaded everyone and almost crept in at the far post.

59‘: Ivorian substitute Aruna Dindane crossed for Drogba, but the Côte d’Ivoire skipper could not get enough power on his downward header and Argentina cleared the danger.

70‘: Drogba showed great power and determination in the box to shield the ball well from the Argentine defence and try to get a shot in. The attempt fell to Keita, who in turn squared it to Arouna Kone, but he could not keep his shot down.

72‘: Yaya Toure had a free-kick partially blocked from the edge of the area, but Drogba came close to turning the ball in for the Africans, although he guided his volley wide.

82‘: The Elephants got the goal their efforts richly deserved and the inspirational Drogba was the man who eventually claimed it. He was twice involved in a move which saw him head the ball away from goal instead of at the target, but when Bakary Kone crossed it back to the Chelsea star, he steered it into Argentina’s net (2-1).

85‘: Amid intense pressure at the other end, Rodriguez believed he had made the game safe for Argentina by lifting the ball over Tizie and guiding it home, but play was pulled back for an offside flag.

In conclusion:
Argentina held on for a precious victory in a classic end-to-end encounter, but Côte d’Ivoire were desperately unlucky not to claim in a point in a frenetic finish.


Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, right, and Arentina's Gabriel Heinze battle for the ball during their 2006 World Cup soccer match at the World Cup stadiu


Ivorian goalkeeper Jean-Jacques Tizie (L) tries to catch the Argentinian forward Hernan Crespo (not pictured)'s shoot during the 2006 World Cup group C football game Argentina vs. Ivory Coast


Argentinian players celebrate in front of photographers after scoring during the 2006 World Cup group C football game Argentina vs. Ivory Coast


Argentinian defender Juan Pablo Sorin controls the ball during the 2006 World Cup group C football game Argentina vs. Ivory Coast

[IbLIsH]

SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO 0-1 NETHERLANDS





The Netherlands' Arjen Robben (11) reacts after scoring in the first half of the Netherlands v Serbia and Montenegro Group C soccer match at the Central stadium, Leipzig, Germany, Sunday June 11, 2006.


A first-half goal from Arjen Robben was enough to earn the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Serbia and Montenegro in their opening match of the 2006 FIFA World Cupâ„¢ in Leipzig on Sunday, 11 June 2006.
Robben struck the only goal of an absorbing contest in the 18th minute, finishing confidently after his speed carried him clear of the Serbia and Montenegro back line. The victory puts Marco van Basten's Dutch team level on three points with Argentina at the top of Group C.


The match:
2': A lively opening from the Netherlands and a half-chance for Arjen Robben, but his looping back-header was grabbed from under the crossbar by Dragoslav Jevric.

6': With the backing of terrific support from the Oranje fans on a warm afternoon in Leipzig the Netherlands did the early pressing, albeit without making any real inroads against the famously tight Plavi defence.

10': A foul ten yards from the right-hand edge of the Netherlands penalty area brought a free-kick for Serbia and Montenegro. But a curling effort from Savo Milosevic was saved comfortably by Edwin van der Sar.

13': A chance for Serbia and Montenegro but Milosevic and Dejan Stankovic got in each other's way.

17': The opening goal. Serbia and Montenegro attempted to play a high offside line but it did not work as Robin van Persie sent Arjen Robben clear ten yards inside the Serbia and Montenegro half. After bursting into the box, he struck a low shot past Jevric. (0-1)

21': Another chance for the lively Robben, this time a left-footed drive from some 20 yards which was palmed away by Jevric.

29': After being rocked by the goal, Serbia and Montenegro settled and Mateja Kezman went close with a header from the edge of the six-yard box.




36': Robben, a constant threat, cut in from the left and shot just wide of Jevric's left-hand post with a curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
45': Serbia and Montenegro showed they were still in the game as Van der Sar stretched to catch a dangerous left-wing cross, and Ognjen Koroman was then inches wide with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area with Van der Sar well beaten.


Second half under way
46': Early pressure from Serbia and Montenegro brought a left-wing corner but the Netherlands scrambled the ball clear.

54': The first real chance of the second period came at the other end from a well-worked free-kick. Wesley Sneijder put the ball into the box but Robben missed with an attempted overhead kick when unmarked ten yards out.

60': Sneijder's shot from 17 yards was blocked close to goal and Jevric just got to the loose ball ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooij.

71': Serbia and Montenegro enjoyed a spell of possession and nearly drew level with a low shot from Koroman, which Van der Sar saves with his knees.

74': The Dutch were struggled to break Serbia and Montenegro's stranglehold on the game. Substitute Nikola Zigic was not far away when stretching for a left-wing cross inside the Netherlands penalty area.




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81': Some respite for the Netherlands defence as the Dutch win a free-kick by the left-hand edge of the Serbia and Montenegro penalty area. A low drive from Van Persie whistled through the box untouched and went just wide.
88': A chance for a second goal for Robben but his low left-footed shot from 16 yards missed by a whisker.

In conclusion:
Serbia and Montenegro fought all the way but the Dutch did enough to secure a narrow and important win in this keenly contested game. Van Basten can celebrate his first victory in a FIFA World Cup game, either as a player or coach. The Oranje can look ahead with confidence to facing Côte d'Ivoire on Friday while Serbia and Montenegro next face another daunting assigment against Argentina.

[IbLIsH]

MEXICO 3-1 IRAN

Mexico scored twice in the final 20 minutes to defeat Iran 3-1 in their opening Germany 2006 match in Nuremberg on Sunday, 11 June 2006.
With the teams tied at 1-1, Omar Bravo capitalised on a mix-up in the Iran defence to slot home his and Mexico's second goal in the 76th minute. Three minutes later Zinha headed the third to seal victory for Ricardo La Volpe's side.

Bravo had earlier given Mexico the lead after 28 minutes before Iran drew level on 36 minutes through defender Yahya Golmohammadi.

The match:
4': Iran began with no hint of nerves, asking early questions of their Mexican opposition. Roaring forward, their German connection threatened a goal as Bayern Munich's Ali Karimi laid a nice ball through to Mehdi Mahdavikia. But the Hamburg midfielder sliced his 25-yard shot just wide of Oswaldo Sanchez's left-hand post.

11': Vahid Hashemian went even closer for the impressive Iranians. Unable to make contact with a fine cross from the right, the Hanover 96 striker met the resulting bit of service from the left with a strong header, only to see it saved well by a sprawling Sanchez.

14': Mexico began to look dangerous on the counterattack and Ricardo Osorio's cross from the right nearly caught out Ebrahim Mirzapour after taking a wicked deflection.

23': Now asserting themselves after a slow start, Mexico's Barcelona star Rafael Marquez spurned an opportunity with a header from a corner. Ultimately, it hardly troubled Mirzapour as the ball sailed harmlessly over the bar. Seconds later, Bravo broke down the right but his cross was wasted as it failed to reach Jared Borgetti.

28': The rising tide finally crashed on the Iranians as Pavel Pardo's free-kick from the right was nodded on by Guillermo Franco and poked home at the back post by Bravo. (1-0)

36': Seemingly from nothing, an Iranian equaliser. Sanchez came flying off his line to collect a corner from Karimi but a slight deflection saw the ball fall to the feet of full-back Golmohammadi, who made no mistake as he hammered it into the roof of the net. (1-1)

Borgetti limps off
52': Jose Fonseca of Cruz Azul took the field after Borgetti, Mexico's all-time top scorer, limped off with what looked like a sore left knee.

56': El Tri seemed unsettled by the withdrawal of Borgetti and Mahdavikia did his best to take advantage of some confusion in the Mexican rearguard. His hopeful shot from 25 yards missed Sanchez's far post by a whisker.

63': Iran's turn to lose an influential member of their side as Karimi made way for Mehrzad Madanchi. With concerns over his match fitness before the game, coach Branko Ivankovic seemingly decided to withdraw his Bundesliga star rather than push him too hard.

76': Mexico punished a mistake in the Iranian defence as substitute Zinha snuck in to cut out a sloppy pass and lay a beautiful through-ball to Bravo. The striker made no mistake in slotting home his second goal of the match. (2-1)

79': Zinha added a third to put the result beyond doubt. After a brilliant bit of dribbling, he kept his run going and nodded home the return cross from Fonseca to seal the three points for Mexico. (3-1)

In conclusion:
Iran suffered for their late collapse as Mexico finished with a 3-1 win which was arguably harsh on Ivankovic's men. The Mexicans will face Angola in their next match with confidence, but Iran – who looked a dangerous side in parts – must pick themselves up before facing Portugal.