Day 12

Portugal who have already qualified for the next round took on Mexico in what was expected to be an interesting duel. Maniche gave the Euro 2004 runners up a deserved lead when his thundering drive ended in the back of the net. Though either team had opportunities, Portugal seemed to have the upper hand and took their lead to 2 goals when Simao converted from the spot after the Mexican caption Marquez had handled in the box. But Mexico hit back soon and cut their deficit when Fonseca pulled one back for them leaving the game in a tantalizing state as half time loomed. After the break, the Mexicans were throwing everything at the Portuguese in the hope of finding an equaliser and they had a glorious opportunity when Miguel handled the ball in the Portuguese box. But, unfortunately, Bravo sent the ball embarrassingly towards the sky. After the miss by Bravo, Portugal held on for the win and to take top honours in the Group.
Portugal 2-1 Mexico
6-Maniche(POR), 24pen-Simao(POR), 29-Fonseca(MEX)

Angola had a distant chance of making it through to the next round - provided they win with a good margin and Mexico lose to Portugal. They started brightly and took the lead finally in the 60th minute thanks to Flavio. But their hopes lasted only for 16 minutes as Iran somehow found the equaliser that spelled Angola's exit from the World Cup. Iran were able to thwart the Angolan wave of attacks and the game ended square to send both the teams packing.
Iran 1-1 Angola
60-Flavio(ANG), 76-Bakhtiarizadeh(IRN)

The much awaited clash of the titans was a rather drab affair as it was only the top spot that was up for grabs. Neither team was really keen on attacking and happily settled for a 0-0 draw. Both teams had notable omissions in their lineups as they were hoping to protect their stars for the net rounds. The draw cemented Argentina's place at the top of the table with the Dutch behind them only on goal difference - thanks to Argentina's 6-0 hammering of Serbia & Montenegro. Argentina face Mexico and the Dutch take on Portugal in what promises to be an entertaining second round. The legendary Maradona was in the stands cheering the Argies and his standing ovation when Messi was substituted shows his faith in the lad. - the heir for his throne in the Argentine squad.
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina

The game which arguably had no significance in this year's World Cup - as both the teams have already been eliminated - was the game to watch! The Serbs raced to a 2-0 lead with just 20 minutes on the clock but the Ivorians came back to win the game thanks to Dudic who handled the ball not once but twice to gift two penalties to Ivory Coast. The game was a comical affair with horrendous defending, Domoraud's mistake coming to mind, and a spate of cards! In the end, the former Yugoslavia ended their disastrous campaign without a win and head home with a not so proud record of conceding 10 goals in just 3 games!
Cote d'Ivoire 3-2 Serbia & Montenegro
10-Zigic(S&M), 20-Ilic(S&M), 37,67pen-Dindane(CIV), 86pen-Kalou(CIV)