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The Day Before the Big One

June 20th, 2006 | By: WC Bob | 10 Comments »

A little more than 24 hours from now Angola will take on Iran in Leipzig in what has to be the biggest game in the history of our football team. A win against Iran and a Portugal defeat of Mexico could send us through to the round of 16 if we have a favorable goal differential.

In order to achieve these results, a win and good goal differential, we need to score. It is that simple. Our guys need to put the ball in the goal, preferably a few times against Iran. It is good to see that the coaching staff recognizes this reality and is likely to move away from the 4-5-1 that has led to no goals scored in 180 minutes of World Cup play.

“Angola have to score goals so naturally we have to play with a more offensive formation,” assistant coach Alvaro de Almeida Mabi told Reuters on Monday. “We are also playing against very strong opponents who don’t want to leave the tournament with three defeats.”

What will that more offensive lineup look like? Will we see Mantorras paired with Akwa up front or will Goncalves go with one of the other forwards and continue to bring Mantorras off the bench as a late game sub?

One player who for sure won’t be playing is Andre Macanga who is serving his suspension after getting sent off against Mexico. He is likely to be replaced by Rui Marques, who I think will be a more than capable replacement.

It is going to be a very nervous and exciting Tuesday for all of us Palancas fans. I can’t wait for it to come.

Tags: Akwa, Andre Macanga, angola vs. iran, Mantorras

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Comments

By ana | June 20th, 2006 at 6:52 pm

I’m Portuguese,I would love to see Angola and Portugal in the next round.
I believe Angola can do it.

GOD LUCK!

Posted from United States

By Gerardo | June 20th, 2006 at 9:08 pm

Sorry to disapoint you guys but I dont think this is going to happen. Tha Angola team played a very good game against Mexico, but this is not going to happen with Portugal. Mexico has a tendency to play at the level of their adversary and it was showed at our last game. But tomorrow, Im confident that “THE GIANT OF CONCACAF” will show portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo how soccer its play and WE WILL DEFEAT PORTUGAL. In the other hand I would have like for Angola or Iran to advance to the next round because they’re really good teams but let THE BEST TEAM ADVANCE, THAT WILL BE”MEXICO”

Posted from United States

By Tom | June 20th, 2006 at 9:56 pm

Portugal will kick Mexico’s ass Gerardo! I dont understand why people are never realists.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Gerardo | June 20th, 2006 at 11:03 pm

Tom
We wil see tomorrow. In the mean time, keep taking a win for granted and rest your so call “Stars” Figo, Deco, Pauletta Whatever and then I want to see come back to the blog and say !OH we lost because we didn’t use our starters! All I wanna see it’s Rafa Marquez and Salcido beating C. Ronaldo in every play, his litlle shaking leg tingy wont work Mexico’s defense and Franco and Bravo scoring.
Mexico 2
Portugal 1

Posted from United States

By Gerardo | June 20th, 2006 at 11:04 pm

VIVA MEXICO CABRONES!

Posted from United States

By Tom | June 20th, 2006 at 11:59 pm

Ok, whatever! Just dont bet on it because if you do, you will end up having a stroke!

BTW, Rafa Marques is nothing for the Portuguese attack. He will get taken out by any Portuguese winger (simao, Ronaldo or even Boa Morte).

Posted from United Kingdom

By Fabio | June 21st, 2006 at 5:10 am

Can we all just get along please. Boys, please….

The blogs are for fun.

Posted from United States

By Matias | June 21st, 2006 at 10:28 am

I am pulling for Angola to shut up those overrated Mexicans once and for all.
I do have to point, however, that two matches with no scoring mean 180 minutes of scoreless soccer and not 120 as it has been posted.

Posted from United States

By Pasha | June 21st, 2006 at 11:21 am

Thanks Matias. My math stinks.

I also have removed some comments that were offensive. This is a public forum but it is not a place for comments that are mean spirited towards one another. If you have any questions, you can contact bob [at] worldcupblog.org

Good luck to all teams. Thanks for reading the blog.

Posted from Germany

By Tom | June 21st, 2006 at 12:40 pm

Sorry for the comments guys. That “Viva Mexico Cabrones” comment made me over-react a little bit. I didnt mean to offend anyone though, just wanted to keep the competitive spirit going by answering those comments.

Good luck on your game today!

Posted from United Kingdom

Comments are closed