Group D would seem to be predestined for two great teams in the World Cup epic since Mexico and Portugal are the major favorites against the underdogs Iran and Angola.
Ricardo La Volpe’s Aztecs (literally translated Richard The Fox) are not coming to Germany to make up the numbers and are determined to do justice to their seeding status that they held at the time of the draw. Brilliant victors over the Brazilians in the Confederations Cup, the Mexicans will begin their world journey against Iran, whose only previous confrontation between the two nations dates back to a friendly match in 2000 resulting in an Aztec victory with a score of 2 goals to 1. A large majority of the selected players come from the major Mexican championship and the only expatriates are Rafael Marquez (Barcelona – ESP), Guillermo Franco (Villareal – Esp) and Jared Borgetti (Bolton – Eng). The Mexicans, who just lost by the narrowest margin (1-0) against the French team in its stadium of the same name, can hope to get through the first round by eyeing first place, which would prevent them from facing one of the qualifying teams from group D, which could be the Netherlands or Argentina.
The Portuguese selection arrives with a stated ambition and dreams of doing better than Eusebio’s teammates who had achieved a glorious third place in the 1966 World Cup in England. A first match that could be described as simpler against Angola, then it will be Iran’s turn to finally end with the highlight match of this group D against Mexico, which should serve as a mini-final to secure first place.
With players like Pauleta, Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and the always talented Luis Figo, the men of Brazilian Scolari have, perhaps, one of the finest teams on paper in this upcoming World Cup in Germany. And the flawless record during qualifying (9 victories and 3 draws in 12 matches – 35 goals scored for 5 conceded) will not reassure Angolans, Iranians and Mexicans.
This will be the third time that Iran will participate in the final phase of a World Cup and the Croatian coach, Branko Ivankovic, already sees himself pulling off the feat of getting out of a group with two strong seeded teams. Two friendly victories against Togo (2-0) and Costa Rica (3-2) have warmed the hearts of Iranians who will open the group’s proceedings against Mexicans eager for first place. Next, another big challenge with the confrontation against Portugal to finish with the more accessible Angolans. “We are going to Germany to create a surprise.” Prediction or a statement from the Iranian coach, see you on June 21st to celebrate more than just music!
Angola will play its role as the underdog in a group that could seem challenging for this African team ranked 63rd in the FIFA rankings. A particular feature of this team is the lack of big names or stars playing in Europe. Angola does without an Essien, an Adebayor or a Drogba. The luck of the draw will bring together Angolans of Luis Oliveira Gonçalves and Portuguese who once occupied this country situated between the Republic of Congo, Zambia and Namibia. A qualifying campaign with a first-place finish in their group ahead of Nigerian powerhouse opens the doors to a World Cup in which Angola would like to be a worthy representative of the African continent.
Editorial prediction from Nice Première:
1-Portugal 2-Mexico 3-Iran 4-Angola
Group D Schedule:
June 11 in Nuremberg: Mexico – Iran (6pm)
June 11 in Cologne: Angola – Portugal (9pm)
June 16 in Hanover: Mexico – Angola (9pm)
June 17 in Frankfurt: Portugal – Iran (3pm)
June 21 in Leipzig: Iran – Angola (4pm)
June 21 in Gelsenkirchen: Portugal – Mexico (4pm)
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