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Journalism of Courage
Angola must end their goal drought against already eliminated Iran on Wednesday to have any chance of qualifying from Group D and will hope Portugal help them out by beating Mexico handsomely. Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves has started the first two games using a solid 4-5-1 formation, with captain Akwa as a lone striker, but with goals at a premium he may opt to beef up the attack with Benfica frontman Mantorras. “Angola have to score goals so naturally we have to play with a more offensive formation,” assistant coach Alvaro de Almeida Mabi said.
Portugal have already qualified for the second round and will be joined by Mexico unless the Mexicans lose to the Portuguese and Angola beat Iran. Even then goal difference would decide who finishes second and plays the Group C winners.
Playing at their first World Cup, the Angolans have shown there is more to their country than war and strife and surprised everyone by keeping their qualifying hopes alive with Friday’s gutsy 0-0 draw against Mexico. “We are sure game will give a better image of our country and we are also putting in a strong effort for Africa,” said goalkeeper Joao Ricardo, whose acrobatic display against the Mexicans earned him the Man of the Match award. Despite their early exit, Iran’s players have said they want to put in a strong performance in their final game to help save face and add to their only World Cup finals victory to date, a 2-1 win over the United States in France in 1998. Iain Rogers
