21 June 2006, by Tom Kundert

Second-string Portugal too strong for Mexico

Portugal 2-1 Mexico

Portugal made it three wins out of three to run out easy winners of World Cup group D. Early goals from Maniche and Simao were good enough to see off Mexico, who fought back strongly and almost earned a draw despite playing the final half hour with ten men.

A much-changed Portugal took to pitch without regulars Crisitano Ronaldo, Pauleta, Deco, Nuno Valente and Costinha, who were all rested by Scolari to avoid the risk of a second yellow card and subsequent suspension for the next match.

Mexico caused danger in the opening exchanges when the excellent Fonseca jinked past Carvalho and Tiago in the box and brought a sprawling save out of Ricardo.

However Portugal reacted well and went into the lead after just six minutes. Simao sped down the left flank and cleverly laid the ball off for the onrushing Maniche who hit a superb first-time shot into the top corner giving Sanchez no chance.

It was the perfect return to the Gelsenkirchen stadium for Maniche, who along with Carvalho and Ferreira returned to the scene of their memorable Champions League triumph with Porto against Monaco in 2004.

Portugal doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Marquez inexplicably handled a Figo corner to gift Portugal a penalty that Simao confidently struck home. Soon after Postiga worked himself space in the box and forced a good save out of the Mexico keeper, with Tiago hitting the rebound just over the bar as Portugal threatened to run riot.

Maniche cracker

However, the course of the game completely changed when slack marking allowed Fonseca to head into the net and reduce the deficit. The goal lifted the Mexicans and on the stroke of half-time Fonseca was a whisker away from equalising as Ricardo missed a low cross.

In the knowledge that Angola could still pip them to qualification in the event of defeat, Mexico pushed hard for an equaliser after the break. Their domination seemed about to be rewarded when Miguel conceded a clumsy penalty in the 58th minute, only for Bravo to blaze the spot kick over the bar.

Of more concern to Scolari would have been the fact that Miguel, already on a yellow card, was in serious risk of being sent off which would have ruled the hitherto impressive full-back out of the next match. Unsurprisingly, the Brazilian took off the Valencia defender at the first opportunity, sending on Paulo Ferreira in his place.

Perez see red

In between Mexico had been reduced to ten men when Perez was somewhat harshly sent off for a second yellow card shown by the strict referee for feigning a foul in the box. Despite playing with ten men Mexico continued to dominate proceedings, with Portugal clearly missing the calming influence of Costinha and the attacking outlet offered by Ronaldo’s pace.

Bravo missed a great chance to equalise when he hit his shot over when one on one with Ricardo and loud appeals for a penalty were turned down when Ferreira tangled with Bravo.

Portugal, evidently saving their energy for more trying challenges ahead, limited themselves to playing on the break, and Nuno Gomes looked lively when he replaced Postiga.

Now the squad will sit back and watch tonight’s match between Argentina and Holland to gauge their next opponents. Unless Van Basten’s team pull off a surprise win, it will be the Dutch awaiting Portugal on Sunday evening.

PortuGoal man of the match:
Simao Sabrosa - The Benfica winger at last brought his club form to the international stage, setting up one goal and dispatching a penalty in characteristically clinical fashion.


Portugal:
Ricardo, Miguel (Paulo Ferreira 61), Ricardo Carvalho, Meira, Caneira, Petit, Maniche, Tiago, Figo (Boa Morte 80), Simao, Postiga (Nuno Gomes 69)
Yellow Cards: Miguel (26), Maniche (69), Boa Morte (88), Nuno Gomes (90)

Mexico:
Sanchez, Pineda (Castro 69), Marquez, Osorio, Salcido, Rodriguez (Zinha 45), Pardo, Perez, Mendez (Franco 80), Fonseca, Bravo
Yellow Cards: Rodriguez (22), Perez (27), Marquez (65), Zinha (87)
Red Card: Perez (61)

Goals:
[1-0] Maniche, 6
[2-0] Simao, 24 (pen)
[2-1] Fonseca, 29