17 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Confident Portugal stride into second phase

Portugal 2-0 Iran

Portugal proved far too strong for Iran in Frankfurt this afternoon. After a goalless first half, a magnificent strike from Deco and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty ensured Luiz Scolari’s team a place in the knockout phase of the competition.

The return of Deco, Costinha and Maniche to the starting line-up meant that Portugal began the match with exactly the same team that lost the Euro 2004 final against Greece, with the exception of Fernando Meira in for the injured Jorge Andrade.

As against Angola, Portugal went on the offensive from the very start. After Figo had caused early danger with some excellent wing play, in the 12th minute Deco fired a left-foot volley towards the top corner which Mirzapour responded to with a fine reaction save.

Portugal dominated possession with Iran finding it difficult to get out of their own half. Maniche twice tried long-range shots, Carvalho went close with a header and Ronaldo grazed the post with a sharp shot after shimmying past two defenders.

Miguel magic

Much of Portugal’s offensive play was instigated by Miguel, who as well as looking solid in his defensive duties, supported the attack superbly.

The Valencia right-back was close to finding the breakthrough on the stroke of half-time when he ended a meandering run with a cross-shot that Mirzapour managed to keep out with Pauleta arriving a fraction of a second too late to apply the finishing touch.

Iran enjoyed their best period at the start of the second half as Portugal struggled to carve out chances. Mahdavikia at last forced Ricardo into action, but the Sporting keeper easily dealt with the weak shot.

To their credit, Portugal did not panic and continued to play their patient passing game, which brought its reward in the 62nd minute.

Figo cut inside from the left wing and laid off the ball for Deco on the edge of the area. The Barcelona playmaker needed no second invitation and struck a rasping shot into the top corner giving the Iran keeper no chance.

A flurry of substitutions followed and Iran twice went close as they desperately tried to get the goal that would keep them in the tournament. On 68 minutes a bad mistake by Meira let in Khatibi, but he shot wide from close range when well placed.

Figo on fire

Hashamemian then forced Ricardo into a diving stop with a header but one minute later Portugal killed off the game with a second strike. Captain and leader Figo, enjoying a superb World Cup so far, was tripped by Golmohammabi in the box and Cristiano Ronaldo coolly slotted the resulting spot kick into the net.

Pauleta missed two late chances to score, but Portugal will be happy to go top of Group D with one match remaining against Mexico on Wednesday. A draw will suffice to finish as group winners.

PortuGoal man of the match:
Miguel - Faultless in defence, intelligent and incisive in attack, the former Benfica right-back shone brightest in a strong team performance


Portugal:
Ricardo, Miguel, Ricardo Carvalho, Fernando Meira, Nuno Valente, Costinha, Maniche (Petit, 66), Deco (Tiago, 80), Figo (Simao, 87), Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauleta
Yellow Cards: Pauleta (44), Deco (47), Costinha (60)

Iran:
Mirzapour, Kaabi, Golmohammabi, Rezaei, Nosrati, Mahdavikia, Nekounam, Teymouriam, Karimi (Zandi, 65), Madanchi (Khatibi, 66), Hashemiam
Yellow Cards: amarelo para Nekounam (19), Madanchi (31), Kaabi (72), Golmohammabi (85)

Goals:
[1-0] Deco, 62
[2-0] Ronaldo, 78 (pen)