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Final: Angola 1 Iran 1

June 21st, 2006 | By: WC Bob | 10 Comments »

I’m exhausted. That was one of the most emotional and frustrating games I have ever watched. Everything was set up for Angola to advance but in the end we came up just short.

The story of this tournament to me was Ricardo’s play in goal and our forwards lack of opportunities. I don’t know what Goncalves was thinking starting a 4-5-1 in a game that he knew that he needed a few goals, but that is what he did. Akwa was essentially useless as a lone forward and it was only when he limped off with an injury that our attack started to get into gear.

When Flavio scored I went crazy. It was all falling into place with Mexico losing and Angola winning. But then there was a defensive lapse on an Iran corner kick and with that our dreams were crushed.

I need some time to reflect on this World Cup experience, but for now I am left with a feeling of pride and disappointment. I am proud of our team and that they showed themselves well on the world stage. I am disappointed because I know we could have done more.

Your thoughts on the match?

Tags: Angola, angola vs. iran, Flavio, Iran, june 21

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Comments

By Andre | June 21st, 2006 at 6:18 pm

I cant believe Goncalves played a 4-5-1 in the beginning. I am frustrated with us not winning this game. I wonder if we will ever have another chance! Although I have to say, well done Angola for getting this far and representing the country.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Cs | June 21st, 2006 at 6:42 pm

Well Angola did not play well ! They played Lousy Football and never really had their hearts in the game .They lost hope after Iran eqaulizes .The players are lazy and are not hardworking… Good Job IRAN !!

Posted from United States

By UC | June 21st, 2006 at 7:11 pm

Congrats, Angola. You did better than anyone expected.

Posted from United States

By Yoni | June 21st, 2006 at 7:13 pm

Im disappointed to not see Mantorras starting up top with Akwa. Akwa was a huge disappointment in this World Cup. Goncalves had the right gameplan. Angola are not technically skilled enough to come from behind. So the coach took the defensive approach in the first half. It was working fine especially when Flavio came on and scored. But the defense couldn’t hold on as Iran was having opportunity after opportunity to land an equaliser. With that said, Angola accomplished quite a lot in their first World Cup. Everyone thought they’d be the whipping boys of their group and yet they almost qualified to the round of 16. They made their country proud and all of Africa. One last thing. Somebody sign Joao Ricardo! He was absolutely terrific. And oh yeah, I was also impressed by Kali, Ze Kalanga, Loco and Figueiredo.

Posted from United States

By tirusew | June 21st, 2006 at 7:21 pm

I have watched in anticipation a chance that Angola might have, as you say it was set for Angola after the goal by Flavio, that coupled with Mexico’s lose to Portugal would have trigger tremendous joy for Angolans and the whole Africa, alas Iran would not be denied that goal. I left with my head down from the public laundry where I watched the game. I now look forward for the game of my life Ghana.

Posted from United States

By Kiko | June 21st, 2006 at 8:20 pm

I regret the defensive approach taken by the coach. We should have played with 2 strikers from the beginning and if we had a stable lead then we would defend. I hope we qualify again for the next WC. At least we didnt embarrass ourselves out there and now we have the experience.

I will be supporting Portugal now as they are my second team.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Joka | June 21st, 2006 at 8:53 pm

Fine work Angola… we made some bad mistakes but I am sure we well and must learn from if and be better and stronger… I Love you Angola…

One Angola

By Dido | June 21st, 2006 at 10:03 pm

The game against Iran would have been something special if we won- regardless if we qualified or not. Angola will improve and will have a better team next time.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Amaral | June 22nd, 2006 at 10:40 am

From my point of view it was just great to be at the WC.
I have watched all games that Angola played at Home in Luanda at the Cidadela, except the one with Nigeria, which I was out of town, and Angola, I have played all games exactly like this one vs Iran, site back and hold, then on counter-attack.

For it was just great just to be there, I repeat it’s a unique experience, but our national coach as well as players must have more ambition, otherwise nothing will happen, just like yesterday, when we score the 1-0, the team set-back, why?

Anyway, I will now start pushing for the qualification for the African Cup of Nations rounds, and wait to know why Flavio, didnt play the previous matches, why Mantorras still playing football, when he has a damaged knee for life, etc.

I look forward to see Oliveira on the team for next years, because from now on, ANGOLA will be team to beat in Africa.

ANGOLA, one nation,
one country,
one team…

Posted from Angola