Portugal move to next round
Reuters, Frankfurt
A stunning strike from Deco and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty gave Portugal a 2-0 triumph over Iran on Saturday, sealing their place in the World Cup second round.In an often tetchy and generally drab Group D encounter, Iran held Portugal at bay for 63 minutes. Playmaker Deco, back in the side after injury, broke the deadlock by thumping in a sweet right-foot shot following a left-wing cross from captain Luis Figo. Iran, eliminated after suffering their second successive defeat, went close to an equaliser four minutes later when substitute Rasoul Khatibi shaved the woodwork. Portugal had much more of the possession but Iran's defence did well to keep lone striker Pauleta quiet. Ronaldo made sure of victory with 10 minutes to go, clipping his spot kick high into the net after Figo was sent flying by a tackle from skipper Yahya Golmohammadi. After converting his penalty, winger Ronaldo fell to his knees and screamed with joy. Portugal, who made three changes to the side which struggled past Angola 1-0 on Sunday, had wasted several good chances in the first half. Deco pounced on a Figo cross to force a fine save from Iran goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour in the 13th minute. Portugal then cranked up the pressure towards the interval, with Ronaldo's powerful left-foot strike striking the side-netting. Right back Miguel also pushed forward, stretching Mirzapour again as the ball almost squeezed under his body. Iran had an opportunity of their own when a header from Vahid Hashemian forced Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo into a smart stop. It is the first time Portugal has made it past the first round since 1966, when Eusebio inspired them to third place in England. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to the title in 2002, said the players were elated to move into the next stage. "It's the first time for 40 years that they have gone so far. We are delighted," he said. "We still want to beat Mexico to ensure first place in the group." Iran went down 3-1 to Mexico in their first game and have now only won one World Cup match in three visits, a 2-1 win over the United States in 1998, although they at least have a chance to rectify that when they meet Angola in Leipzig on Wednesday.
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