World Cup debutants Angola are aiming to create the biggest surprise of this World Cup when they take on Iran on Wednesday with an outside chance of reaching the second round.
Written off as no-hopers when they arrived in Germany, a gritty performance to force a goalless draw with Mexico has given the Southern African nation a shot at finishing in the top two of Group D.
But the odds are stacked against Angola.
They need to beat the already eliminated Iran by at least three clear goals and hope that Portugal beat Mexico in Gelsenkirchen in a match that has the same kick-off time.
”It is clear that we have to play in a more attacking way than before,” said Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves.
Angola are set to bring in Love in attack as they go in search of goals, while midfielder Andre is suspended after being sent off against Mexico.
Midfielder Paulo Figueiredo said the team did not want their World Cup adventure to end.
”We would like to stay here longer, we like it here so much. But we know that Portugal must help us.”
Angola had lost their opening game against Portugal, but a remarkable performance from goalkeeper Joao Ricardo against Mexico kept their hopes alive.
The 36-year-old, who is currently without a club, said that win or lose against Iran, the team had already lifted the spirits of a country that only emerged from civil war in 2002.
”Our country has been through a difficult period,” said Joao Ricardo. ”This success will give millions of people great joy.
”What is my future? My future is winning against Iran.”
Iran entered the tournament with high hopes of reaching the second round for the first time, but they crashed to Mexico and then Portugal, scoring a solitary goal on the way.
Their Croatian coach Branko Ivankovic has been heavily criticised in the Iranian press and midfielder Ferydoon Zandi, who plays for German club Kaiserslautern, said pride was on the line.
”This match is a question of honour. We want to leave Germany with our heads held high,” he said.
Ali Daei (37), the scorer of a world record 109 international goals in 148 matches, could make a farewell World Cup appearance although he will start as a substitute, the team said. — AFP
