Bravo Mexico!

Omar Bravo hit two goals to give Mexico a 3-1 win over Iran in their World Cup Group D opener at the Frankenstadion at Nuremberg on Sunday. Iran were the livelier team at the start and came close to scoring in the 12th minute when Ali Karimi crossed to Vahid Hashemian and his downward header forced a sharp low save from goalkeeper Sanchez.

The Mexicans quickly upped the tempo and went in front in the 28th minute when Pavel Pardo floated a ball for Guillermo Franco in the penalty area and he nodded it on for Bravo to tap in. Iran levelled after 36 minutes when Mehdi Mahdavikia8217;s corner caused havoc and defender Yahya Golmohammadi slammed in the loose ball.

Mexico finally broke through when Zinha pounced on a mix-up in the defence in the 76th minute to feed Bravo for his second goal of the game. Zinha made sure of victory with a thumping header from a cross by Mario Mendez in the 79th minute.Karolos Grohmann