LiveBlog: Iran-Angola

After 90 minutes, the game ended in a draw. Angola created a little drama by taking a lead in the second half, but Iran came back to end Angola’s second round hopes. You can read the blow-by-blow below and leave your thoughts and comments about the match and the teams.

Final: Iran 1-1 Angola

Full time The final whistle blows and the game ends as a draw. Angola was able to keep their round of 16 hopes alive but a 75th minute goal from Iran finished off the Palancas. Both teams gave a good effort but based on their play today they both deserve to go home. Thanks to Angola for giving me a team to support. I will now watch the rest of the tournament as a neutral fan. Thank you for joining the liveblog. Stop by again.

90+ Good free kick chance for Angola from just outside the box. It is weak and Iran’s keeper eats it up. That might be it for Angola. Their lack of offense rearing its ugly head again.

89:23 Portugal did their job beating Mexico. Angola is going to come up just short in their efforts. I’m bummed but proud that the team I blindly adopted back in December held their own this World Cup.

88:12 Your Group D finish if things stay this way will be: 1. Portugal 2. Mexico 3. Angola 4. Iran

87:02 I will hear this horns in my sleep tonight. Free kick to Angola from the left side of the area. It is punched away by the keeper and this looks increasingly like a draw.

86:21 Just a reminder that we are liveblogging every single game in this tournament so please stop by again. Your readership and comments are appreciated and help us all survived the not so interesting matches.

84:55 Ricardo forced to make another save. He has been Angola’s man of the tournament. Iran looks like it has come alive from a slumber. They are putting the screws on Angola.

83:21 Angola needs four goals in the next 7 minutes. Even my optimistic dreams don’t think that will happen. At least my beer is cold and the game has had its moments of interest.

82:32 For the sake on Angola fans I hope they at least come away with a tie. Would be devestating if they don’t get at least a point from this one.

81:02 Mexico desperately attacking in the other game. They must not know that Angola was scored upon. Angola not so desperate in the attack. Time for the guys to give it their all or they’ll be on the next flight home to Luanda.

80:12 Iran’s coach looking like a high school math teacher on the sideline. Angola’s coach looking constipated. The tale of two expressions.

79:23 Iran controlling the ball in their offensive end. Angola looking a bit deflated after letting in the goal. I know how they feel. For about 15 minutes there it was looking good but now the hope is beginning to fade.

76:59 Mexico looking more and more likely to dodge the bullet. They should send some flowers to Zandi for scoring that goal. Angola players pointing fingers at one another.

75:37 Poor making by Angola and Ferydoon Zandi gets the goal for Iran. No Angola players on the back post. Angola needs even more of a miracle now but will play on for the win.

75:02 GOALLLL! Iran heads in a corner kick and that kills me and kills Angola.

74:38 Iran still going through the motions but not looking very interested in getting an equalizer.

73:45 They showed the Iran player helping Jamba on with the captain’s armband. Das ist fair play.

72:34 Figueriedo out and Rui Marques so that means Mantorras won’t see action in this game. Not sure I agree with that move.

71:12 Still Portugal 2-1 in the other game which started this half about 6 minutes before this one. Right now Angola would lose out to Mexico in goal differential.

70:23 Regardless of the outcome, Angola has represented their country well this World Cup. It is remarkable they qualified and it is remarkable they are still alive with 20 minutes left in the final group play match.

69:23 Angola continues on the attack and Love gets his head on a cross but the Iran keeper is up to the task. Starting to see some life from Angola after all these minutes of offensive misery.

68:24 The drama of watching both games at the same time is second to none. This is going to be the best week of football all year.

67:30 Ze Kalanga shown a yellow. Angola won’t have any players for the next game, but at this point who cares?

65:56 The horns continue to blow but it is the Angola fans that are making the noise. Iran goes with a sub. Borhani in and Kaabi out.

65:15 Ze Kalanga taken down by the side of the area. Free kick to Angola. They looked energized by the goal. Figueriedo takes the kick. Nothing there.

63:45 Mexico playing a man down and losing to Portugal. Angola winning and hoping to score a couple more against Iran. Very few would have predicted this heading into the World Cup. Mexico has to be nervous now.

62:12 Angola fans going crazy in the fans. The Palancas are on the attack. I can hardly type I am so excited. Angola shot goes wide of goal.

61:12 Angola finally break through and boy how they did so. Great cross and Flavio knocks it into the goal. They still need another and some more help from Portugal but boy is this exciting now.

59:24 GOALLLL!!!! Flavio with a header into the goal. OH. MY. GOD.

58:45 If I were coach of Angola I would consider putting in Pele or Beckenbauer right about now.

57:15 Ricardo drilled by a shot and he is none too pleased with his slacker defenders in front of him.

57:12 Things continue to fall into place for Angola except for the fact they can’t score and they aren’t leading this game. A miracle is needs and it is needed soon.

55:16 Mendonca continues to try to shoot but he might as well quit while he is ahead. Mexico now playing a man down and are losing to Portugal 2-1.

54:23 The horns blow on. Does anyone actually think that sounds cool? Like a flock of geese on acid. Andranaik Teymourian shown a yellow for being a wanker.

53:34 Angola continuing to attack but the final third of the attack is simply brutal to watch. It isn’t easy being an Angola fan when they have the ball.

52:16 Mexico awarded a penalty kick and Bravo misses it. Angola stays alive!!!

51:05 Flavio in for Akwa who is done with a groin injury. Now Angola has Flavio and Love up front. great names, but are they great players? About time we see Mantorras too.

49:47 Akwa goes down and to the sideline with an injury. There goes Angola’s lone forward. Not that you’ll notice a difference.

49:14 Iran continues to play even though they should have been told by now that Angola needs to win. They are playing for the proverbial pride and so far Team Melli fans have to be moderately pleased.

48:02 Angola’s players also received 1,000 free roaming minutes on their mobile phones. I wonder if they budgeted to save some minutes for the next round.

47:12 Mendonca with a shot on the ground but it is just wide. Good start from the Palancas. Maybe this will be their half to record their first World Cup goal. Remember, each player gets a $5,000 for a goal. So far, no bonuses.

45:45 No changes in the second half but expect Mantorras to come on in the Angola attack soon.

45:01 We’re underway in the second half in Leipzig. The Portugal-Mexico match started about 6 minutes ago so Angola will know what they have to do by the end of the game. As it stands now, Portugal and Mexico would go through, but that could change if Angola somehow can figure out how to score in the next 45 minutes. Thanks for joining me. May your World Cup days be merry and bright.

Halftime After 2.5 games Angola has yet to score in the World Cup but they still could make the Round of 16. They’ll need to score and win in the second half and hope that Portugal can continue to beat Mexico. A lousy first half for both teams. I’m going to go scream in the hallway from 10 minutes and will be back for the second half. Go ahead and leave your thoughts on what you just saw (or didn’t see).

45+ Angola corner leads to a headache for the Iran keeper as he gets a tap on the head from Akwa in the air. Not a hard play but Ebrahim Mirzapour is looking like he got hit by a sledgehammer.

45+ Halftime in the Portugal-Mexico game. If only we were so lucky here. Finally a shot on goal from Angola. It is Love with the shot. My main man.

45+ Five minutes of injury time. Thank you, Loco and Mateus for delaying the restroom breaks for millions around the world. Maybe Angola’s offense will shine in added time.

45 Angola would score if those blasted horns would just shut up for a minute.

44:23 Mexico really turning it on against Portugal, but Iran and Angola are having a more peaceful affair. 2-1 Portugal and 0-0 in this game.

43:12 Iran showing that they are interested in winning. Not super interested, but interested enough to keep Angola from scoring.

42:31 Can Angola naturalize any forwards at halftime? They need some help. Brazil probably has a couple of players to spare.

41:12 Angola with its fifth corner kick. Maybe this time they will figure it all out. Maybe not.

39:45 Ricardo with another solid save. Say what you want about Angola, but Ricardo has been nothing short of great in this World Cup. He has faced a lot of shots and has only given up one goal.

38:34 Iran leads 62-38% in possession time yet Angola continues to keep the hope alive. Rasoul Paki Khatibi comes in for Hashemian for Iran as they decide not to score either.

37:36 If Angola can just get a goal before the half it will really put the pressure on Mexico. Suddenly the beer is talking and I’m not. Angola can’t score.

36:12 It is worth noting that Love is my favorite Angola player even though he never does much for the Palancas at forward. Yellow card shown to Mehrzad Madanchi, his second of the tournament. He will have to sit out the next game of his summer vacation.

35:12 If you are tuning into this game because you wanted to see goals, I suggest you flip over to the replay of the Argentina and Serbia match.

34:04 Angola has now gone all of my life without scoring a goal in the World Cup. Yet, they still are alive. Amazing.

32:57 Angola actually amounts an attack and Delgado wins the corner kick. Now is the time to work your magic but it is headed out by Iran. Seriously, now is the time to work your magic. And again it is headed out. Ok, last time guys. Work your magic. Headed out by Iran again. The magic needs to come right now. Punched away by the keeper. Can’t say we didn;t try.

31:12 Portugal beating Mexico 2-1 but no goals in this game as both teams fail to realize that one of the objects of the game is to put the ball in between those funny looking wooden things.

29:47 Akwa proving that just because you play forward doesn’t mean you have to shoot on goal. He needs some help out there. Angola should be allowed to play with a couple extra players.

28:32 Akwa misses from close in and Mexico just scored. Damn. Mexico +1 in goals and Angola -1.

27:45 Still shaking from that Iran corner. It just hit the Angola player who was guarding the post. Angola continues to show an ineptitude on offense that is now legendary.

26:45 Loco’s hair was not fixed by the medical team. Corner kick to Iran. My heart is pounding and my head hurts. Sweat pouring on the keyboard. Holy crap it is cleared off the line by Angola. Death flashed before my eyes.

25:34 Iran on the attack but called offside. Iran needs to read the memo that Angola has to win this game.

24:56 Loco back on for Angola. Mexico is now even on goals. Angola is -1. Angola still has some hope they just need to put the ball in the friggin’ net.

23:14 Terrible header by Iran. Portugal scores and Angola is getting oh so close to going through.

22:35 Hopefully the medical staff can do something about Loco’s hair while they work on his injury. Love on for Mateus. Love is the leading scorer in Angola’s league.

21:12 Loco carried off as well. Seriously guys, get your boots on. Angola is running out of players. Mateus and Loco both on stretchers and the horns blast on.

20:23 Loco down in pain. He needs to stand up so he can get his yellow card. The ref is like a fox looking at a hen.

19:42 Mateus taken off on a stretcher. That would be a big loss for Angola. He has played well on the wing. Maybe now they’ll put in a forward. Maybe now I’ll get another beer. My head is starting to hurt from all those bloody horns.

18:12 Starting to think that the Angola coach isn’t worthy of being called the Professor. His team needs a couple of goals and he sticks to a miserable 4-5-1. Corner to the Palancas as Mateus goes down hard.

17:17 Imagine the joy in Angola if they advance to the round of 16. For that reason alone I ask you to lace up your boots and play forward for the second half. Man it is painful watching their attack, or lack thereof.

15:59 If anyone wants to play forward for Angola, raise your hand. Akwa needs some help up front.

14:43 Figueriedo with a shot but it isn’t gonna happen. I’m more likely to score tonight in a German bar than the Palancas are in this game and I have no plans of going out tonight.

13:45 Ricardo does it again making a huge save against Zandi. His shot was straight on from close range but the Angola keeper was up to the task. Ricardo needs to find a club team. He is good.

12:34 Angola has only given up one goal in the tournament. Much like they did in qualifying, they have kept the ball out of the net. Today Iran hasn’t challenged. Masoud Shojaei on for the dude who hurt his groin.

11:23 If you ever want to go to the World Cup, I recommend showing up for the Iran vs. Angola match. Lots of empty seats. Mateus gets off a shot for Angola but you knew all along that wasn’t going in.

10:34 Angola in its offensive end but Iran’s defense is staying well organized. If I were to bet, these teams might play six games and never score.

9:03 Ok, I got a beer just to make those of you at work jealous. Thanks for talking some sense into me. Still no score or action.

8:20 I’ve seen enough groins to last me a lifetime. Can’t these players hurt something different? Crotch shots are so cliche.

8:04 Iran rolling the ball around and looking mildly interested in playing attack. Angola’s defense is up to the task. Mohamed Nosrati on the ground looking like death is near. He’ll be ok.

6:56 To win, you need to score and Angola has been unable to do this. I can’t figure out why they are sticking with a 4-5-1 with Akwa as the lone striker. This is not an offensive formation. So far no offense from either team.

5:35 The Angola bench is aware of the score in the other game. Angola still needs to win but now the goal difference has been cut. It is early but things could be breaking Angola’s way.

4:58 Portugal just scored so Angola gets a lot of hope. They need Mexico to lose.

3:56 There are a lot of empty seats in the stands but the people who are there are blowing horns like crazy. I might go mental if I have to hear this for 90 minutes. Another Angola foul. Not much action so far.

2:45 I am liveblogging this game without a beer. That is like walking into church with no clothes. Early foul on Angola gives Iran a free kick from the left side. It is headed away.

1:45 Aussie ref Mark Shield in charge of this game. Let’s hope he leaves the cards in the back pocket and lets the teams play.

1:02 Ricardo grabs a weak Iran shot. The shadow is really bad in this one so forgive me if my eyes go crazy during this match.

:12 Beckenbauer at the other game. Boy is he going to regret missing Angola play Iran.

Kickoff We are underway from Leipzig where Angola and Iran play the final match of Group D. Angola still has hopes of advancing. Iran is out to have a good game before flying home. Thanks for joining me. Your comments are always appreciated. Keep them clean, have fun and love one another. Remember you can also flip back and forth between liveblogs as Daryl is blogging the Portugal-Mexico match right now too.

4 minute countdown: Angola’s turn to sing and be proud. Simply a great story seeing this country make the World Cup. The players look nervous but are able to muster up the nerve to sing along. It is an upbeat anthem. Me like.

5 minute countdown: Iran’s anthem is played. The players sing. It is a nice tune and the Iran fans make some noise when it comes to an end.

6 minute countdown: I have both televisions set up and will be trying to keep an eye on the Portugal-Mexico game since it does hold a lot of importance to Angola. Iran is wearing white shirts and shorts. Angola is adorned in red, yellow and black.

8 minute countdown: The players from both teams are lined up in the tunnel. That means a game is going to be played soon. No wonder I like this moment so much. The little kids have their hands out and the players take a hold. Hand holding has never looked better. The Angola fans are on their feet. The Iran fans are singing. The flags are out on the pitch. We are close to the final clash in Group D.

10 minute countdown: Can’t quite tell from the camera angle but it looks like this game might see the return of the dreaded shadow. I’m guessing the majority of the world will be watching the Mexico-Portugal match anyway, but it will be unfortunate if the hearty souls who follow Iran and Angola have our retinas are fried trying to see the ball during this game.

15 minute countdown: It is a bit of a hazy summer day in Germany. The game is being played in Leipzig which isn’t too far from where I am in Berlin. It is warm but shouldn’t really impact either team since they are both used to playing in heat. It is nearly a perfect weather day to liveblog two games, so I think I will.

20 minute countdown: German television showing nothing but Portugal-Mexico previews. Hey guys, there is another game today ! On a bright note, Boris Becker continues to look great as a studio analyst. What a life that guy must lead these days.

25 minute countdown: Bad news for Angola fans. Portugal’s coach Big Phil is planning on resting a good number of his starters against Mexico. He seems less than concerned with Portugal getting a win, something Angola desperately needs. I can’t fault Big Phil for his decision but it would have been nice to see Mexico and Portugal go toe-to-toe.

30 minute countdown: I literally just received an email alerting me that my Angola jersey has been shipped to my home. Too bad my home is nowhere near my present location in Berlin. I guess I can wear it after the Palancas win the World Cup, but for now I must get by wearing an Angola flag.

35 minute countdown: Here are the starting lineups. Angola continuing to go with a 4-5-1. Can’t explain that considering they need goals more than I need a day off from typing non stop and, believe me, my fingers could use some rest. But alas, I will be liveblogging two games today. I got the short end of the straw again and will do the Ivory Coast – Serbia and Montengro farewell game tonight.

Angola: Ricardo, Jamaba, Kali, Miloy, Figeuriedo, Akwa, Mateus, Mendonca, Ze Kalanga, Loco Delgado

Iran: Mirzapour, Mahdavakia, Bakhtiarizadeh, Rezaei, Zandi, Hashemian, Daei, Kabei, Teymourian, Nosrati, Madanchi

40 minute countdown: Iran is a dangerous team today. They have been eliminated from the World Cup and have no pressure entering this game. In 1998, Iran was in a similiar position and defeated the United States in the third game of the first round. Iran has looked ok at times in this tournament but has shown a tendency to fade toward the end of matches.

50 minute countdown: This is the biggest game for Angola since I became a die hard supporter way back in December. They have gone two games without scoring a goal. They’ll need to score today if they want to keep their slim hopes alive for a spot in the round of 16. Angola needs to win and to have Portugal defeat Mexico. They also need to come up with a better goal differential. Currently they are -1 and Mexico is +2.

Pregame: Can Angola pull off the miracle and advance or will Iran ruin the party?

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