Angola keeper keeps Mexico at bay

Angola held Mexico in a dull 0-0 draw on Friday, leaving both teams still in with a chance of qualifying for the World Cup second round from Group D.
The tactically superior Mexicans had poured forward in the second half, helped by a switch to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation just after the break. But the African side defended in numbers and looked increasingly confident going forward as the game went on.They had to play the last seven minutes without midfielder Andre Macanga who was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Mexico’s Bravo had a chance in the 66th minute when he was put clear by a defensive error only to fire straight at keeper Joao Ricardo, later on named Man of the Match. Earlier, Angola defender Jamba cleared off the line from substitute Jesus Arellano after Ricardo saved from Mexico striker Guillermo Franco.
The first half’s best chance fell to Franco, who picked up a loose ball in the box only to hit his shot straight at keeper Joao Ricardo from point blank range. Mexico’s captain Rafael Marquez also smacked a free kick off the post in the 13th minute from just outside the area. Angola’s first meaningful attack did not come until the 23rd minute, when Figueiredo fired a powerful right footer from about 20 metres just over the bar.
–Patrick Graham