Preview: Iran vs. Angola

By: WC Bob | June 21st, 2006 | 1 Comment »

GAME DETAILS
Iran vs. Angola, Leipzig, 16:00 CET
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World Cup Gear: Iran | Angola

THE BIG PICTURE
Angola holds onto a slim hope that it can advance to the knockout stage in its first World Cup appearance. The Palancas Negras failed to score in the first two games but a masterful performance from keeper Ricardo against Mexico gave the African nation its first World Cup point. Today they face an Iran side that has been eliminated from the competition and is merely playing for pride. An Angola win coupled with a Portugal victory against Mexico could send the minnows on the round of 16. Angola’s Andre Macanga is suspended after his sending off in Angola’s 0-0 draw against Mexico. Rui Marques could start in his place.

Teams: Likely formation; shirt numbers, name, caps, goals

Angola (4-5-1)
1-Joao Ricardo (28-0); 20-Loco (13-0), 3-Jamba (37-0), 5-Kali (23-0), 21-Delgado (19-0); 17-Ze Kalanga (25-4), 15-Rui Marques (2-0), 7-Figueiredo (24-2), 11-Mateus (6-2), 14-Mendonca (36-3); 10-Akwa (79-36). Coach: Luis Oliveira Goncalves

Iran (4-4-1-1)
1-Ebrahim Mirzapour (66-0); 13-Hosein Kaebi (46-1), 5-Rahman Rezaei (45-3), 3-Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh (32-3), 20-Mohammad Nosrati (46-3); 2-Mehdi Mahdavikia (91-11), 8-Ali Karimi (92-33), 7-Ferydoon Zandi (11-1), 21-Mehrzad Madanchi (9-3); 14-Andranik Taymoorian (9-1); 9-Vahid Hashemian (30-11) Coach: Branko Ivankovic

LIVEBLOG
Follow the match highlights as they happen on the Iran vs. Angola LiveBlog and stop by to leave your thoughts and comments about the match

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IMPRESS YOUR FRIENDS

Iran

Branko Ivankovic is Iran’s fourth Croatian coach.

Onions originated from an area around Iran.

The earliest known windmills were in Persia (Iran) and looked like large paddle wheels.

Iran Team Blog
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Angola

Only 1,000 giant sable antelope survive in the world, all of them living in central Angola at the Luando Reserve and Kangandala National Park.

Dairy cows attract 1000 flies per cow.

Half of Angola’s children are malnourished while 20 Angolans are worth $100 million or more.

Angola Team Blog
Team Roster
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TEAM BLOGS & DISCUSSIONS