LiveBlog: Mexico-Angola

June 16th, 2006 | by: WC Bob |

Angola and Mexico went toe-to-toe and after 90 minutes of play neither side scored. It was a very good effort for the African debutants who keep their slim hopes alive for the second round. Read the play-by-play below and leave your thoughts about the match.

Final: Mexico 0-0 Angola

Full time That’s it. Angola comes away with a 0-0 win against Mexico. The game was not the best played of the tournament but playing a man down for the final 13 minutes Angola showed a lot of heart. Angola’s keeper Ricardo is today’s hero. He was outstanding for the Palancas Negras. Mexico is still in decent position to advance but will have some work left against Portugal.

90+ Angola pushes forward towards the corner. Time continues to tick in their favor. Angola crowd going nuts. I’m going nuts.

90:00 Can the minnows from Africa hold on for three minutes of added time or will Mexico make it happen? Don’t close your eyes.

89:00 Angola defense hurting themselves with turnovers. Mexico looking for the kill but are unable to get the job done. For a somewhat poorly played scoreless game this has turned out to be quite fun.

87:46 Marquez with a blast and Ricardo stretches out to save it. He is the hero of the match. Mexico with another great chance that goes just wide. Wow, this one is hurting my heart.

86:35 Angola running out of energy but trying to dig deep to hold on. Mexico preparing to make a few final pushes forward to steal a late game win.

85:19 Ricardo shown a yellow for wasting time. Angola counting down every last second trying to get a point.

84:45 Mexico corner kick after a nifty bit of footwork by Fonseca in the box. It is blown dead and Angola is spared for another few seconds.

84:02 This reminds me a lot of the Sweden and Trinidad game with a minnow trying to earn a 0-0 win.

82:43 Marcos Miloy on for Ze Kalanga. Angola making a defensive sub to try to hang on. My heart is racing.

82:15 Fonseca with the half volley but it is off the mark. He was in position but couldn’t get the job down. Mexico smells blood.

80:57 Angola holding onto the ball despite being a man down. Suddenly their offense has picked up but the question is whether they can withstand a final Mexico push.

80:00 Can Angola hold on a man down for the next ten minutes? Oh the drama of World Cup footie.

78:36 Ze Kalanga booked for a hand ball. His second yellow and he is sent off. That was a stupid play. Angola now down to 10 men.

78:15 Much discussion in the WCB headquarters about how pretty Rafa Marquez looks tonight. His ponytail is shiny and looking good. Morales in for Mexico.

76:45 Loco looks like he wasn’t built right. His arms and legs move out of place. He is having a decent game bad hair notwithstanding.

75:03 Mexico continues to attack as they have started to control the game the past 10 minutes.

73:57 Mexico corner caught by Ricardo. We will all name our kids after Ricardo if Angola wins this one.

73:05 Franco off and Fonseca in for Mexico as they try to beef up their frontline for the final 20.

72:03 Rui Marques in for Figueriedo. Another good sub from the Professor on the Angola bench.

71:00 Angola still managing to keep the clean sheet but needs more from its attack. Neutral fans starting to get behind Angola. Welcome to the bandwagon my friends. I’ve been driving it since December.

69:45 Mexico with a free kick after a silly fall from Figueriedo. The ball is spotting about 40 out. It chips away harmlessly. Angola still holds on.

68:17 Mexico with another great chance on a corner but no goal. Another corner for El Tri and it bounces away. Wow, this is getting to be dramatic.

67:28 Mantorras in for Mateus. Good sub for Angola as they look to get their first World Cup goal.

67:15 Maybe there is something to this Angola keeper not playing for a club team. He can expend all his energy for Angola.

65:57 Bravo with a point blank shot that Ricardo eats up. He should have scored on that one. Ricardo again proving to be a champion.

64:45 Are you people at work having fun? Tell me what you do for a living. It must be more entertaining then some of these matches. Ricardo with another neat grab.

62:57 Mexico shouldn’t be confused with Argentina in this match. They look pretty average.

61:46 If any of you own the same tie as the Mexico coach please do yourself a favor and burn it now. Still scoreless with both sides playing ping pong in the middle of the field.

60:34 Angola continuing to give Mexico a very good game. It could go either way at this point. Akwa needs more help at forward for Angola though. But I’m not a coach so what do I know?

59:56 Public service announcement: I’m never leaving my computer ever again and we’ll be liveblogging every game this tournament so please stop by again. Thank you.

58:45 Angola coach Goncalves looks like a thinner George Forman. I wonder if they have George Forman grills in Luanda.

57:35 Jamba down for Angola. He will live. Pretty amazing to watch this cat Ricardo in goal for Angola. he doesn’t even play for a club team but he should. He is having a great World Cup.

55:46 That was Franco with the chance for Mexico and Ricardo comes up huge in goal for Angola.

54:46 António Mendonca with a long shot on goal. On the other end Ricardo with a great save. Wow, excellent chances for both teams.

53:48 Whoever the fan is who brought the horn to the match and insists on blowing it non stop for 90 minutes need to be fed to the Polish hooligans.

52:43 Mexico coach looking more slovenly than ever on the bench. Still no sign of him smoking. Perhaps he took my advice and went on the nicotine patch.

51:04 Ricardo comes out to take in the cross. What would Jesus do? Will find out now that Jesus Arellano is in.

50:56 More rugged play from both sides. This one is a bit ugly but it is the World Cup and it is football so it is mandatory that we continue to watch.

49:34 Ze Kalanga gets a yellow for Marquez being a wimp.

49:04 Marquez slots it into the box and it is a Mexico corner. Headed away by the Palancas and Angola heads the other way where they will continue to do nothing.

47:04 Mexico missing Jared Borgetti in their attack. He wasn’t incredible versus Iran but he brings something that the rest of their forwards doesn’t have.

46:30 So if Angola ties would that be considered a win? I would think so, but we still have a lot of time left before we can really talk about that.

45:15 No changes for either side as we are stuck with same 22 that brought us that lackluster first half.

45:01 The second half is underway in Hanover. Angola is still looking for their first World Cup goal. Mexico looking to pick up an expected three points. I have decided to stick with Hefe for this half since it proved to be a decent luck charm for Angola in the first half. Thanks for stopping by and for making the World Cup so much fun for all of us. Let’s keep the vibes good and hopefully enjoy a more interesting display of football than we saw in the first half.

Halftime Mexico with the better chances but Angola played them fairly even for the first 45 minutes. I’m off to put some magic spray on my fingers. Go ahead and leave your thoughts on the first half and any predictions you might have for the next 45.

44:02 Franco with a point blank chance in the box and Ricardo makes a huge save to keep it scoreless.

43:19 André Macanga booked for dissent. Always respect the ref even when he is wrong.

43:15 For you halftime entertainment I will not be blogging but I will be sticking my fingers in ice. Thanks again for joining me. Your comments keep me going. Along with copious amounts of substances.

41:15 A noticeable absence of yellow cards in this game. This is a welcome change from the games earlier today. Unfortunately there is also a noticeable absence of goal scoring chances.

40:45 The name Gerardo Torrado rolls off your lips even if you are a German commentator.

39:45 Mexico can’t be too pleased with this half. Theu aren’t playing especially well and each passing minute gives Angola hope.

38:03 Sanchez has a failure to communicate and he gives the ball back to the Palancas. Loco getting more camera time. That is really unneccessary. Corner Angola and more of nothing.

36:45 The crowd sounds dead in Hanover. The teams have sucked the life out of this game faster than I am sucking down cold ones.

35:34 Franco falls down again. I hope both teams have fresh uniforms for the second half. They are accumulating grass stains.

34:02 Angola with the corner kick. Sanchez bats it away. This game has been fairly even to this point with Mexico having the better chances but the run of play about even.

32:56 Ricardo flies to knock the ball down and almost gives up a rebound to Mexico. Lucky to not give up a goal on that one. Still 0-0

31:02 Loco living up to his name with some funky moves. Angola gets a direct kick after António Mendonca hits the ground. 10 yards outside the area. Akwa gets a head on it but it goes too high.

30:00 Angola has now gone 120 minutes without a goal. I have now liveblogged a 120 straight minutes. Something has to give.

28:08 I think I got spoiled with all those goals earlier today. This one is losing my interest a bit and I am a die hard Angola fan.

27:03 Mexico keeper Oswaldo Sanchez hanging on the crossbar for no reason. I think he is bored. Good on him for playing after the death of his father last week.

25:35 Angola’s free kick is blasted over the goal by Mendoca and we remain scoreless. Mexico got off to a slow start against Iran but then turned it on. Will they do the same here?

24:45 Both teams playing a bit unsettled. Most of the play is in the middle of the field with the attacks breaking down. Loco down on the ground earning Angola a free kick.

23:15 Mateus gets a shot off for Angola but again there is nothing more that needs to be said. This Hefe does taste much better than the last beer.

22:32 Angola with the corner kick and it doesn’t happen. They control the ball and then lose it. Figueiredo gets off a shot and blasts it high. Good effort mate.

21:15 Figueiredo hurt and walks it off. I am sensing a pattern here. Both these teams need to suck it up and start playing a little football.

20:15 Angola brings it forward but you get the sense it is kind of pointless without more support up front for Akwa. Their coach is named the Professor so I can’t question his smarts. I have a few nicknames of my own but none are appropriate for a family friendly liveblog.

17:52 Franco is suddenly going to live again so Mr. and Mrs. Franco need not worry about their son’s health.

16:58 Angola still looking for their first ever World Cup goal. Franco on the ground for Mexico. The stretcher carriers are getting a workout in this match. Hope they have enough magic spray on hand for this one.

16:03 Mexico’s Mendez falls down and earns another direct kick from close in. Mexico getting plenty of opportunities to practice their set pieces. This one is knocked down by Ricardo and cleared away.

13:45 Angola dodging some bullets with Mexico looking very composed in the attack. Loco needs to spend more time worrying about his man than showing off his wonderful hair. Still no score.

13:08 Delgado shown a yellow by the ref from Singapore. Mexico with the direct kick that hits the post but does not go in.

12:18 Failed to mention I chose a Hefeweizen for this match. For those of you working, it is Friday so go ahead to crack one open at your desk.

11:17 Fairly evenly played game thus far with Mexico having the better chances. Mexico coach Lavolpe looks like a completely unkept beach bum on the sideline. I love that guy.

9:02 First shot of the Loco hair. I will never get tired of seeing the half shaved head with the flopping dreadlocks in the front. Franco down on the ground earning Mexico another free kick.

7:57 Ze Kalanga down again for Angola and decides to ride the stretcher this time. He looks worse than someone liveblogging back-to-back games.

7:46 I think I will permanately have the sound of horns in my brain after watching every game this World Cup. Beats having German music stuck in your head. I heard some German death metal today at a cafe and it was truly scary.

6:17 Angola looking more settled than they did last game. I can’t blame them for nerves. I was nervous for them too. Mexico playing some nice combination ball. Still no score.

4:21 Franco brought down by Figueriedo. Mexico spending most of the time on the ground. Free kick from far out goes harmlessly to Ricardo.

2:51 Ze Kalanga down on the pitch after getting elbowed in the midsection. The stretcher is declined as he walks that one off.

2:32 Franco brough down by Jamba whose name is also awesome. No yellow card shown yet which is a positive sign in this tournament.

0:48 I take that back. Carlos Salcido blasts a long shot that goes just over the bar. The fans are chanting “Mexico”.

0:25 Both keepers get a touch on the ball. Already a better start for Angola.

Kickoff: We are underway in Hanover as Angola takes on Mexico. El Tri is on top of the group with three points while Angola enters with no points. Thanks for stopping by and please leave your thoughts and comments as we move along through the 90. Keep it clean, have fun and love one another. Let’s hope this is a great game.

4 minute countdown: It is Angola’s turn to stand and sing. More pomp and circumstance. If I knew the words I would sing along. I’m fired up and ready to blog my fingers off. Thanks for joining us for this Group D match, the final game of the day.

6 minute countdown: The Mexico anthem is played. It is a long one. A bit dramatic but quality. The players have to hold their arms on their chests for a long time. That looks exhausting. Great moment for all of Mexico. I love the anthems.

8 minute countdown: Akwa having a nice converation with the kid whose hand he is holding. That was awfully cute.

9 minute countdown: The teams are getting set to lineup in the tunnel. Raf Marquez leads his men out of their locker room. Akwa does the same for Angola. Mexico wearing white tops and green shorts. Angola decked out in red shirts and black shorts. Love the yellow and red socks that Angola wears.

12 minute countdown: Anyone care to wager how many times we’ll see Mexico coach Lavolpe with a smoke on the sideline?

15 minute countdown: The best name on either roster belongs to Angola forward Love Cabungula. Every World Cup team needs a little love.

18 minute countdown: German television showing pictures of kids in Angola playing footie on the beach. I can only imagine the excitement they are feeling there as they watch their national team playing on the world’s largest stage. Win, lose or draw Angola’s presence in this tournament is a wonderful story.

20 minute countdown: The rain has cooled things down enough in Berlin for me to wear my Angola flag like a cape without sweating. For some reason I also have a Nigeria kit on. It is as close to Mexico colors as I could find in my closet. Here’s hoping that the Group D games are exciting this go around.

25 minute countdown: Just to prove that I am not a complete homer for Angola, I ate a burrito tonight. Not too bad considering it was from a shop in East Berlin. I hope your food is equally tasty wherever you may be in the world. Will provide a beer update closer to the game once I choose my brew of choice. It won’t be Bittburger. Not impressed. 30,000 Mexicans in Hanover. Very impressive showing considering the distance they must travel to come to Germany.

30 minute countdown: I wish Maradona was at every game instead of Beckenbauer. He is awesome to watch in the stands. One thing to watch in this upcoming game is the first 20 minutes. Angola was jumped on early against Portugal and will need to avoid falling behind against Mexico. The Palancas were one of the lowest scoring teams in African qualifying.

40 minute countdown: Hooray my food has arrived. I should have the energy now to LiveBlog back-to-back games. Worth noting that Mexico forward Jared Borgetti is not playing in this game and Angola coach Goncalves is sticking to his guns by playing a 4-5-1 despite calls for another forward to help out Akwa.

50 minute countdown: I look forward to having you join me for this one. We’ve seen nine goals thus far today and a couple of entertaining games. Let’s hope Mexico and Angola treat us to another good match.

Pregame: How much will my beloved Angola win by? 8-0? 27-0? Or will Mexico come out on top?

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.worldcupblog.org/game-previews/preview-mexico-vs-angola.html Preview: Mexico vs. Angola – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

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

yo im gonna be down in Tijuana during this game, the mexicans better win, cuz that place will go off if they do
Joe

Mexico will win over Angola 2-0
Gabriel

I agree, Mexico over Angola 2-0
VAMOS MEXICO!!
http://angola.worldcupblog.org/group-d/game-day-angola-vs-mexico.html Game Day: Angola vs. Mexico – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Angola World Cup Team Blog

[...] I’m looking forward to this one. You can follow Bob’s Liveblog during the match and stop back here afterwards with your thoughts. [...]
mosaic

I guess this game will end with 0 – 0 or 1 – 0 for mexico as Angola’s performance was not bad at all during their match against Portugal on Monday.
sooz

I think we can breath a sigh now and look forward to some consistency and fairness in refereeing.

the Singaporian ref for this game is Shamsul Maidin. some good stuff out there on him (mostly re. keeping the game flowing), but also that he was awarded Singapore’s ref of the year for 4 years (3 consecutive)

and this, from an asian paper, re. the grp A match he ref’d:

Football Association of Singapore’s chief of administration Samuel Panthradil said: “I am not the assessor, but I thought he got all the major decisions correct and was fair and in control throughout the match. Based on his performance, I am hopeful that he could go on and referee a match in the later knockout stages.”
Y. Hernandez

I agree Mexico 2-0. Si se puede Mexico!!!!!. Vamos a ganar.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Sooz says that, guaranteeing that this game will have the Hand Of God or something similar.

I think Mexico 2-0 seems reasonable.
Ubi

I like your picture BOB
pf

sooz

Thanks for the 411 on the ref.

This DOES make the game more wothwhile to watch!
Bobbio

The number of goles scored today will be incredible! Angola to win 5-3!!!!!!!!
Bobbio

And another Exclamtion Mark for good measure!
RAUL

believe in mexico guys!
we´ll win
Singsing

The comment about your food encapsulates why I always read this blog and not the New York Times’s. What are you having?
http://www.webplay.com.mx Charlie

Vamos México
Con el córazón
Vamonos por la corona
Que el futuro ya llegó

-Beer commercial song, really good-

Angola va a probar el chile nacional
Crateman

C’mon Mexico! You can do it! Pwn them!
Trish

Bob, I am glad you are the one blogging today. I am sure you did not get “finger food” as you need to rest those hands since the game will be starting!

I am still reeling from the bad calls I saw in the last game, and have not even had the chance to watch all of it yet. Read the liveblog though…interesting priorities eh?
ana

mexico is goig to win
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

If Angola holds of Mexico in the first 20-25 minutes, they may be in with a chance. The problem is that Angola lacks the firepower up front, and their game build up depends too much on the pace of their wingers. Worse, if they choose to play with two forwards, they will loose the battle in midfield and will have to rely on a defence that seems to be the wealker spot of the squad, and a inspired goalkeeper.Though decision for the coach to make.
Still, i hope that Angola gets the win.

0-1 to angola, scorer: Mantorras,at the 89th minute, after a 50 yard run on counter attack.=D
http://www.somethingawful.com Chainsaw Charlie

damn that last post was full of typos. I blame the beer and vodka shots =D
RAUL

THEY´RE STRONG BUT MEXICO´S TEAM IS BETTER
AJUA!!!
Yovany

Mexico 3 Angola 1

Vamos Mexico un colombiano te apoya.. y toda latinoamerica apoyandote tambien’

Anyone interested in trading Panini World Cup Stickers?
Football Freak

Hey Ronaldo, Where is your prediction?
mario sanchez

mexico rocks and angola sucks
pf

Can we petition to take the Pepsi “da da da” commercials off the air?

Anyone? Please???
sebastian

does anyone know a website where i can watch this game…its 2 am…and im stuck in bangkok….and i cant find the game on the tv!!!!!…HELP
Crateman

Here’s the YouTube’d version of the Corona Beer commercial. Pretty cool!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbPH_jcIsro&search=corona%20mexico
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Sorry Sebastian. Hope you don’t have to go to work tomorrow!
pf

Bob, I think Angola has the coolest names for their players…

Next to love, we have Mud (Lama in portuguese) and of course we have Loco.

Now, here is the worst joke of the cup. If Loco is chasing the ball, what do we have?

Loco-motion!

Duh, gotta cut down on the brew here…
hoa

Go Angola!
matthew

2 -1. Proud day for Mexico.
hoa

Anyone rooting for Angola in here!
hoa

Man! I feel like the whole stadium iis singing Mexico anthem right now!
Mary

Let’s go Angola! Come on!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

I live in Texas, so *naturally* shuold pull for Mexico…I am really wanting an African team to do well though..Wish Mexico was playing anyone else so my loyalties could be more clear cut.

Fan shots of Mexicans are great..
Roland

¡Orale chivatos! ¡Vamos Mexico!
hoa

Mexico fans are fantastic, their passion for football and national team is unbelievable. I think only the Red devils of South Korea can match them.
Roland

The Univision announcers are so nervous, lol.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com Darkoze

I think the real score will be MEX 2 ANG 0.
But,
If the sole source of game information is Bob’s play-by-play blogging, the score will be closer to ANG 6 MEX .025.

Keep one eye on Bob’s Blog and the other on the tv; it’ll be interesting to see when the scores diverge.
Crateman

GGGGGGGOOOOOOOLLLLLLLL!!!! Tenga!!!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

OMG!!!! thought that was a goal for a second
Crateman

Damn! I TOUGHT it was a Goal!…damn!
hoa

that shot was close!
Jr

Viva Mexico!!!!
3-0 Mexico
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

if teams qualify after 2nd round of group matches, the 3rd round matches will be so boring and negative
Bobbio from the future

Gooaaaaaaalllll!!!
Bobbio

What? what? when? How! Don’t touch me!!
Jr

hey fellas…how’s the game look? i’m not able to watch it
javier

Hi All, is there a live radio broadcasting of the match ? Please share the info !!

Thanx

javier
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

I am picturing the Loco action figure, with that fringe of hair..
pwnawannab

Bobbio is having dual personality disorder
http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/liveblog-ecuador-costa-rica.html billy

A HEFE would be great!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Mexican freekick hits the post
Trav

Thanks to the Limey’s we do have live radio broadcast:

http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=1
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

…and Bob, you are not commentating on ESPN2 because fo the vast riches being paid to you by worldcupblog.com, right? Oh, that AND the Spanish Lottery winnings.
Kevin

Interesting “fact” from wikipedia..

The most famous Angolan folk song is Kumbaya (Come by here, my Lord). However, its origin in Angola is disputed by those linguists who believe it to have originated in Gullah, a creole language from the South Carolina / Georgia coast. If this is correct, then the song must have been exported to Angola, most probably by American missionaries, and then rediscovered there at a later date.
Roland

Mexican fans in force. Sea of green out there.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Bob is not commenting on ESPN2 bc he actually knows something about the game…if you said “football” to most of those ESPN guys they would think of the Dallas Cowboys or something.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

What is up with the terrible turf. Look how many divots are already torn up…
Tony

Good job on the blog. Keeps me up to date while I pore over 20000 lines of excel information. Keep up the great work!!!

GO ANGOLA GO!!!!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

…and thanks to Kevin, we’ve had our Kumbaya moment.

Back to the action…
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Good actors…these Angolans
me

what’s mexicos line-up?
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

QUESTION…what language do the drs speak who have been called to the field so many times?

Do they have interpreters out there too? Just wondering.
Roland

Very even match so far 52-48 Mexico. Angola looks like Portugal with more speed and less technical skill.
Roland

Oh, I forgot to call this one. Okay, Mexico 2 -1.
Roland

Honestly, Mexico needs the ball a little more than 52% to get out of this one.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

psssst! pssst! Trish, I’m trying all sorts of bait to temptBob the Blogging Play by Play Guy (as opposed to Bob the Builder Guy) to come out of hiding and do a little more self-revelation. My ESPN2 comments were the monetary version of bait. Didn’t seem to work…
Kevin

That’s it I can’t take it anymore.. LEAVING WORK EARLY.. NO ONE CAN STOP ME.. HDTV HERE I COME!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Soooo…Loco had a not-too-graceful moment there.
Ubi

arent the doctors team doctors. that would make the most sense.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Replay sure did look like he tripped over the ball, with no help from anyone else.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

BBC puts it 59 -41 in favour of Mexico
Roland

Hefeweizen is the good stuff, Bob. Cheers.
Bobbio

Gah! Still no goals! After all the action from the previous two games this turn of events is frustratingly dull. I’ll keep myself interesed by building a time machine.
Ubi

Who knows how much money the winners of the WC get?
Roland

Patience Bobbio, goals are coming.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Darkoze, now I have the “Bob the Builder” theme song in my head with the words “Bob the Blogger” substituted…
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Trish,
Since these guys are truly hurt only .0001% of the time, I don;t think the doctors have to speak at all. They may be like those fellows in the harems of 1001 Arabian Nights. You know, big brutes with their tongues cut off so that they never can speak of what they see. Something like your typical modern husband.
hoa

over 19 millions u.s. dollar for the cup winner I once heard.
hoa

Playing three games alone in the group gets the team like 4 and a half million or something.
Roland

How is that a foul?
Christo

120 straight minutes and how many straight beers?
Ubi

Thats some smooth cashola, but considering what these guys make yearly playing in their other leagues…..doesnt seem like quite enough.
Trav

Hey Trish I have a question for you. How many women in Texas follow World Cup Football – More than 1 or less than 2?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Big freekick opportunity for Angola
Sam

Nice free kick
hoa

Quick defense from Angola there!
pf

“…Can we blog it, yes, we can!…”
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Trav I am one of 3 women I know who follow it. Of the three, one is from Panama and one is from Canada. I am the only native Texan in the bunch…
Sam

Difficult to work out who’s who listening to the match over the radio. All those Portuguese names: Ricardo, Delgado, Figueiredo, Mateus, Mendonca… Sound like Spanish names to my untutored ear.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Pf, you are not helping. Now I will CERTAINLY have the Bob the Blogger song on continous loop all day…
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“Hey Trish I have a question for you. How many women in Texas follow World Cup Football – More than 1 or less than 2?”

Probably more than you think. Footie has been popular in the Dallas area for 25+ years. Plano has a huge set of youth leagues. Austin saw soccer pick up in the 80s.
gdog

What IS the magic spray? Cold stuff?
Roland

Mexico not playing particularly well. Maybe the goals won’t be coming after all…
hoa

Angola needs to get a goal befire half time or else Mexico will finish them in the second half, I suspect!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

For that matter, I played in the biggest youth soccer league in the United States at the time. 1978.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“What IS the magic spray? Cold stuff?”

It’s a combination of Bactine and angel dust.
ETucker

Mexico also played poorly the first half against Iran.

I bet their score two in the second half; one from Franco off a corner/set piece, and the other from Bravo during the run of play.

Vamos Tri!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Lots of the “soccer moms” I know couldn’t give a fig about World Cup play, sad to say.

Bob, if the game ties maybe they can decide based on who has fewer grass stains..
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

1-1 would be good for me
http://www.estoescostarica.com
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Bob:“The crowd sounds dead in Hanover. The teams have sucked the life out of this game faster than I am sucking down cold ones.”

This can only mean one thing.

One of the teams scores at 44:59.
Roland

Angola threatening more and more.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

It’s the kind of game where, if you were the coach, you’d bang on pots and pans and try to wake these guys up.

I’m really tired of the 45-60-75 minutes of yawnball I’ve seen from everyone but ARG-CZE-ESP. The modern game is too conservative.
gdog

“It’s a combination of Bactine and angel dust. ”

so they fall to the ground more viciously! and yet…antibiotically….
ETucker

Any game after Arg/S&M was bound to be a letdown….
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

dw,
I thought “Magic Spray” was Coca Cola, until they took the Cocaine out.

Now, it’s that starchy aerosol you spray on clothes when ironing.

Or am I jsut really way off on this? (or on something?)
sergio

whats wrong with the tvu?? anyone know anywhere to watch game ONLINE???

tvu has not been working today..
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

one yellow to Angola so far
Tessa from TX

Trav, More than 1, obviously. We drink beer, too.
Dino

Roland I just got a chance to come back, I’m at work, is Mexico not playing well or is Angola a good team… they didn’t impress me last game
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

and now one more :)
Roland

Mexico denied, but close. Let’s see if this wakes them up in the last minute.
gdog

“Along with copious amounts of substances.”

hopefully not magic spray. wouldn’t want bob to hit the ground and get grass stains now would we
tom

keep up the blogging, much more interesting than dry dull tv commentators!
Roland

Mexico was not playing well.
gdog

nice Save!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“Now, it’s that starchy aerosol you spray on clothes when ironing.

Or am I jsut really way off on this? (or on something?)”

No, you’re right.

“And Franco gets taken down and he’s rolling around! But look at how clean and fresh his kit looks….”
Roland

This just in…Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead.
Lico

Great effort, Bob! My wife and I will waiting for your second half blogging performance. Have a drink and come back!
Gus

First Half to forget…
ETucker

I think the next time the ball is on the ground, Guille Franco should dive and try to hit it with his head…its the only part of his body he has any control over…
ETucker

Enjoy a delicious Hefe Bob, you deserve it!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

the ball possession has shifted dramatically 52-48 in favour of Angola
Trav

No disrespect Tessa. It’s just that Trish more often than not is the lone gal out there. btw -I’m Canadian and I don’t drink beer.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

“…look at how clean and fresh his kit looks….””

I thought so! What with the price of those kits (Geeez, all it is some petrochemical product with vivd colours!!!), it’s good to know there’s “Magic Spray” to keep one looking clean and proper, without having to shell out more bucks for replacements.
Luis

How do you like Angola now, Mexico? How does that Portugal v Angola look now?
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Can we just start the second half at minute 75? Go straight to the flurry of goals in the last ten minutes and stoppage?

Please?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

statistics show that Angola had better chances
ETucker

Apparently the World Cup has cracked down on all online viewing….CDN of the Dominican Republic has a special message….basically if a website uses a feed from your station, even without your permission, you will lose television rights.

bastards! I’ve always HATED SEPP BLATTER. Artifical Turf? ha, is that what you use to cover your balding head?
Ubi

Hey do you guys remember monkey bars? Werent those awsome.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Predictions:
1) Rather than exchanging jerseys @ the end of the game, hairstyles will be.
2) Full explanations will be provided as to theory of physics that explains how a sphere, in this case a football, does not fit into a rectangular box.
3) Discussion of the Argentina v. Serbia-Montenegro game wherein an excessive amount of goals against one team proved to be that team’s demise, thereby providing us with the theorem that “Goals are not a good thing.”
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Here’s to Angola in the second half! dw, I like your idea. Why waste the first 30 minutes of the second half??
Tessa from TX

lots of us watch, just cant blog (work)
dietmar

watch for mexico to come out gunnin!
Jr

when does the next half start?
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Hey!?!
What happens when your comment has “Your comment is awaiting moderation. June 16th, 2006 at 9:58 pm” attached to it? It’s as if the NHL refs have been reading my stuff and then putting me in the sin bin.

So, is that a 2 minute minor or a 5 minute major?
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

i just want to say that i have great respect for the guys doing the live blogging. i can barely watch the game and read the blog, with only an occasional comment.
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

I pray for Angola to win or at least draw. It increases the chance of Iran for the next round! Go Angola!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

First corner for Mexico
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

there is a 6 figure bonus for the Angolan who scores their first WC goal !
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

What will all of this non-action, I’m sitting here waiting for Bob to be bringin my order of Bratwurst and Dinkel.

Bob! Iswear. I’ll even give you a tip.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Tessa I am glad to know there are more of us out here…This is such an addictive sport!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Mohan, at this point, I’ll make it a 7 figure bonus for any Angolan to score.
Do I hear another bid?!?!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

You Texas people are lucky. First game of the day is 6am on the West Coast.
ETucker

Mexico is about to score…in the next 10 minutes. I can’t see it…but I can feel it.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

“Whoever the fan is who brought the horn to the match and insists on blowing it non stop for 90 minutes need to be fed to the Polish hooligans.”

Oh, come on. The horn is as much a part of Mexican football as finding new ways to choke is a part of Cubs baseball.
dietmar

wow
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

I’ll buy the Angolan who scores a goal an Argentine beer
shagnasty

Mexico coach looks like captain pugwash? your thoughts please
ETucker

Will it be a Quilmes per chance?
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

ouch, dw…no need to get personal here.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

You betcha it’ll be a Quilmes!
Laura

Actually, I like the first game early start time in the west coast. I can watch while I’m getting ready for work!

And just so we’re clear: females like soccer too! :-)
dietmar

did some one say baseball?…must be watchin the english broadcast
ETucker

Que es la otra marca? Hay quilmes…Brahma es brasilena verdad? Yo vivi en Villa Crespo hace un par de anos y siempre tomaba otra marca (pero fue Argentina)….no me sale ahorita
Ubi

I hate living on the east coast im at work for all of the games, this sucks!
dietmar

weiter geht’s
ETucker

Poor Bob…I suggest an ergonomic keyboard or a carpal tunnel syndrome brace…and lots of good German beer!
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Is everyone out there familiar with the plea, “Just don’t make me snurt?”
For those who aren’t, the following scenario.
I’m with a friend. We’re regaling each other with stories. I pause to take a long drink of (milk, beer, soda, rot-gut Mexican worm Texarcana tequila) and beg my buddy, “Just don’t make me snurt?”

What I’m asking him to not do is make some comment/joke that will have me spewing previously ingested liquid back through my nose or ears.

Bob is one such person to avoid when drinking something you want to go directly to your stomach. He’s Snurtivator.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

he just missed heading that one in…would have been a great goal
Trav

So then, any thoughts on the Oilers-’Canes game tonight in Edmonton?
stampede

Mike will buy the Angolan a beer? Luc will just buy the Angolan period.
ETucker

Canes are gonna win, if only because the Oilers have Chris Pronger, who is associated with the St Louis Blues, the worst team ever (and cursed)
dietmar

sure aint that clinic argentina put on this morning
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Iguana es otra cerveza muy buena. Brahma es de Brasil pero se toma mucho acá también.
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

that 0-0 works for me
http://www.estoescostarica.com
Roland

Angola is playing very defensively, playing 11 in their field a lot.
pf

Joao Ricardo has some long hands and sticky fingers…

Impressive…
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Very busy keeper lately.
NOE JR

NOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!11
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Trav,
Wells and Weight are down for Carolina, I believe..so it’ll be a Game #7 back in Raleigh. Hopefully JJ REdick won’t be behind the whell and the Duke lacrosse team is sequestered safely away so that no Oiler or ‘Cane gets injured.
dietmar

gooollllllll…i just love saying it
tom

Dude, the hockey series is going 7 games no doubt. And Carolina (aka THE WHALERS) will emerge victorious…
sergio

quilmes has almost a monopoly…

there’s also “isenbeck”

and “warsteiner”

and “schneider” (argentina’s schlitz! maybe..it was allright it was cheap though!)

i’m sure i’m forgetting other beers…

oh yeah a lot of “brahma” too (brazil import)

you pretty much have to go with quilmes!
Curt

If peeps would stop coming into to talk to me I would have more fun following this game even if it is kinda boring.:)
Ubi

Im in IT and I pretend to do work. And i just found out today that you can get in trouble for visiting sites that are not work related. Its ok though they cant fire me I work for the government.
gdog

I make maps, and break my company’s rules for “acceptable internet usage” pretty badly during world cup.
NOE JR

MEXICO NEEDS A kikin in for Franco he falls too easily…wuss
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

The NHL lost me after the strike. I kinda wish the MLS would step up and take over the “fourth sport” spot here in the States. Also, that the MLS would stop with the stupid rounds of expansion to cities without natural support (e.g. SLC). Promote long-standing teams from the USL like Seattle and Rochester instead.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Stampede, ROFLMAO. Luc could do with some sensitivity training eh?
dietmar

ever get a boot in the face that shit hurts!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

you know what i really miss down here? A good Newcastle ale. Not a lot of imports available here.
Matt

Bob, you are a king among men for doing these live blogs! I’m doing grunt IT work for an internship this summer, and this blog along with the live audio help make the day go by so well.
Roland

real estate appraiser
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

so do canadian announcers make hockey references in soccer like the Americans do with basketball, football and baseball?
NOE JR

SUB%^*#&%@&^%@
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Bob said “Are you people at work having fun? Tell me what you do for a living. It must be more entertaining then some of these matches”

Like Homer, I’m into things nuclear. No need to worry folks! As long as I press the right buttons at the right (or is that left) time, all will be well. No need to fear terrorists when we’re on duty at your local nuclear power plant!
gdog

where do you get the audio?
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Ricardo is a stud. Looking like Hislop in the Sweden match.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Special Education teacher. Summer school is only 4 days a week, until 1, so I can catch the third game live and DVR the others. No school on Fridays, yeah!
Jr

go seahawks!!!!!
haha
ETucker

Fue Isenbeck!

But I have to say I prefer regional microbreweries in the states: my favorite is a Boulevard Brewery Wheat (from Kansas City; I know, not very nationally know)

Pyramid Apricot Wheat (from San Fran) is also good.

Anyone know of any other regional microbreweries with good wheats/belgian whites?

Oh, and go Mexico!
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

I used to work for a veterinary supply store here in Venado Tuerto, Argentina. I say used to because today was my last day. Moving back to the States…but not before I watch Argentina hoist the cup!
Laura

I’m studying morturary science so I can emigrate to Canada.
Ubi

Who in here strips for a living. Come on you can tell us we are all friends
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

for audio go to http://clients.mediaondemand.net/theSun/?Channel=1
Trav

Mike, TSN (the Canadian broadcaster) uses a Limey to do the play-by-play. He does a good job. I prefer the live blog and live audio myself.
liam

i’m a computer specialist. ;)
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

ok, you caught me Ubi :-)
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

OK, we’re up to the 75th minute. Now, the game finally starts!
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

Still praying for Angola!!!!!!!!!!
tom

I’m a lazy student in the middle of exam season :D
ETucker

better yet…if you strip for a living, post a link to a pic :)
Roland

Ohhhhhh, so close.
pf

IT isn’t that bad after all.. When I started I often wondered if I could be somebody…

Today I know the answer. I am somebody – who has managed to watch the entire cup while billing to a client (no names and questions please!!!)

;-)
Ubi

i knew it there arent any animals in argentina.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Ouch, Laura, hope the Canadian Immigration Authorities don’t do some Googling on you. I lived up North for about 10 years and found most people enormously modest and clever, two traits that one finds it hard to see simultaneously in most Americans. Must be due to the Dubya Flu.
ETucker

Vamos Fiki!
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I’m studying morturary science so I can emigrate to Canada.

That’s awfully… grim.

I live two hours from Canada. Haven’t been since the weekend before 9/11, though. Just haven’t had the need. And that huge used bookstore in Portland sucks you south.
SES

I haven’t been here the majority of this game, but I’m hoping Angola wins this one.
ronaldinjo

great discovery and refreshment this blog of yours … keep it up…i am letting friends know…great work read
ETucker

I would just like to point out my mexico scoring prediction was wrong….the only think I’m “feeling” is shame for being the son of Mexican immigrants!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

nice save, thought it was going out.

i am getting nervous!! time for the goals to start flying!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

no bicyclettas from Akwa today
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

I work in IT. That’s all I’ll say. Someone is probably running around gathering evidence to fire me. Or not. There’s enough out there to get me hosed.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Aw, of course. That’s one way to tip the game to Mexico.
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

I’m going out on that cliched limb.
Loco scores with a hairer in the last 5 minutes. It’s a lock.
Ubi

this annoucer has said ball so many times im uncomfortable
ETucker

PF- are you a lawyer who is following this while revising a contract?

the devil knows his own :)
Roland

UH-OH, Angola red card. Major momentum shift.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Red for Anglola..goal should come now
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Ouch.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

They can win with 10. Happened the other day.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

AN GOLA..there is a Goal inside Angola !
Ubi

RRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
sadly that doesnt feel as good as yelling goal
dietmar

where is the real mexican team
did srbija suck?

arg is a good team but it is sooo hard to lose 6-0 …
still unthinkable
Laura

darkoze, why did you ever leave? I adore Vancouver BC, whenever I visit it’s torture to leave.

and dw, I live in Portland and my best friend works at Powell’s. So not only do I get to shop there all the time, I get the employee discount!

P.S. I’m actually in IT, but I’ve heard that Canadian emigration ranks desirable jobs, and “mortician” was the top of the list.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Talk about handing the game to Mexico.

That’s a terrible pun.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

i missed it…what was the red card for?
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

come on Angola….
prediction

i predict 0-0 …read mexico is from the same conference as usa …they cannot play
Roland

Mexico starting to get a little desperate, but they’re pressuring.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

Argentina just might be that good… but i’m not gonna talk until we play Holland
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Hang on Angola! The Schadenfreude side of me wants yet another CONCACAF team to suffer. Besides, I want the USA-MEX rivalry to one day grow as big as BRA-ARG — so for that to happen, I have to pull against Mexico right?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

pendulum has swung again…54-46 in favour of Mexico
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

another corner. Yow.
Roland

Fonseca soooo close. Nice play. Corner coming.
pf

ETucker… I hope the contract you are revising doesn’t have my name in it… LOL.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

the CONCACAF is a joke…Trinidad and Tobago have been the best team from that region
ETucker

Argentina IS THAT GOOD.

Messi and Tevez are subsitutes that would EASILY start for any other team (even Brazil right now, given Adriano and Ronaldo’s form)

Philip-we root for Mexico when the dont play us so weget more respect when we beat them
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Laura, “..why did you ever leave (Canada)?
Long story.
Short bridge.
Quebec politics.
American citizenship.
Adored the place (Montreal)
Ubi

lets gooooooo angolaaaaaaaaaaa score one for the homelandaaaaaaaaaaa maybe then you can eat a good dineraaaaaaaa and you can have your pick of the hot virginsaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, wow thats a bad chear but i could keep going………
hahaha

a good one philip…i think usa – mexico rivalry is more alike future srbija vs montenegro rivalry (countries spliting)
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

ricardo is the man!!!!!!!!
dietmar

ive seen mexico score in the through’s the place will go nuts
Roland

The post saves Angola!!!
Jen in Boston

Mike, I’m listening to the Sun World Cup Audio Player, per your link. Thanks!

One of those guys sounds like Ringo Starr. Not the guy calling the plays – the other guy.
Ubi

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh so close off the woodworkkk
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

And yet, CONCACAF has more points (4) than the 5 African teams (1).

And S&M got hammered today. S&M played San Marino TWICE in group play. And that superpower Lithuania team.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

What a perfroamnce. Ricardo is all over the place.
Ubi

haha jen your right.
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

you’re welcome jen in boston. that link was a lifesaver for me at work
ETucker

pf- they dont bill by the hour here so dont worry about it :)
Roland

Ricardo is having a great game between the posts for Angola.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Bob, take a nitro pill. Blog on. We need you.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Ricardo MVP.
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

And Laura, I hate you. I want the employee discount.

A friend of mine got landed status in Canada status last year. Took her a year plus and a lot of documentation.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Just think if Angola hadn’t given up that early goal v. Portugal. Wow.
Ubi

Stay in your own counrty this one is mine
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

Go Angola! You can!
hoa

Great fighting spirit from Angola!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

I need a nitro pill too….this is too much!
http://www.estoescostarica.com Poncho

DON’T SAY THAT… 0-0 works for me!!!
http://www.estoescostarica.com
http://www.xanga.com/oneeyeddeer Mike

good point, Trent…would have made this group a lot more exciting!
NOE JR

OHHH mY GOSH mexico are being wusses falling like girls…@#$%
Roland

I’m happy to be wrong about Angola, they’ve played two solid matches. This might be the best African team.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Awesome point for Angola.

CONCACAF not setting the world alight.
Ubi

game over gg angola this group is going to be some crazy ish when it comes to qualifying for the next round jeeeese.
pf

Joao Ricardo — The man of the match without a question.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Mexico is ranked 4, so holding them 0-0 is a big achievement for Angola, but this result wouldn’t make any difference in the outcome of this group
Laura

dw – yea, it is a sweet deal. Sometimes the friend talks about getting another job, and I’m rather discouraging.

I hope Bob isn’t in a coma after this match!
ETucker

Is this the first point for an African team? I guess Tunisia tied Saudi Arabia….

anyone want to see Tunisia-Italy as a rematch of the Rome-Carthadge rivalry? I wonder if it would turn out similarly…
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

Who thinks La Volpe could use a cig?
pdt

Mexico are a useless team…worse than France even…If your Mexican hang your head in shame today.
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

So what happens now?
NOE JR

angola is real happy because they got a point WHOOPEE maybe theyll make it with that point to the next round…
stampede

Yippee, another draw. Go Mavericks.
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

Now there is light at the end of tunnel for Iran! Hope it is not a train!
mexico

i am quite surprised mexico has won a point against this team
Roland

pdt, Mexico no doubt did not play to their full ability, but Angola is quite competitive and very athletic. At least you got a point out of it.
iran

iran is a much better team than mexico …they just had a bad day last time
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

Lots of Angolan babies will be named Ricardo. Heck, if I were expecting, I would name MY baby Ricardo. Regardless of gender. He was amazing.
http://www.reallifenews.com/football/worldcup Martinf

How great was that game to watch. Particularly if you wer’nt a Mexican supporter. All credit to the Angolian keeper, who by all accounts doesn’t even play for a team !
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

ETucker:

I’m happy to here how “y’all” cheer, but I cheer against Mexico because they’re my country’s soccer rival. Rational calculation be damned.

Besides, I want another regional superpower to be almost as miserable as me. I hate to revive an old saw, but just think if the US had a group with Iran and Angola!
SES

Go Angola! It’d be great to see an African team in the next round. The majority of the debutants are doing great this WC.
http://sassan.blogspot.com Sassan

Go ANGOLA!!! I LOVE THE WAAAY YOU PLAYED!!!

Ricardo Your the best!!@#$!@#!@#!@#~!@#!@#@!@!
http://beingruthiesmom.blogspot.com/ Trish

So why is Ricardo not on a team? How many people are kicking themselves right now for not having him…What’s up with that? Anybody know or have a link?
http://www.pertinentverge.blogspot.com darkoze

Well, Zip-Zip, but Bob, as is his usual, did a superb job. Just wish his fav team had pulled out a 3 pointer for him…. Well, they do play one more game.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Roland, above: “This might be the best African team.”

I think that’s probably Côte d’Ivoire, but alas they don’t get a group with Mexico in it. It will be interesting, if irrelevant to the next round, to see how they do against Serbia and Montenegro.
katie

Mexico really is full of it. The only reason they qualify for the World Cup is because they’ve got the US and the Caribbean for competition…come on…
Angola’s keeper rocks and MEXICO SUCKS. Hopefully they’ll be knocked out in this round.
diego

Cheers for a gutsy performance by Algola.
sebastian

damn it…that ricardo was a in the zone!….why couldnt he play like that the first 5 minutes vs portugal?!?!!?!?!?!….
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Oh well. Good job by Bob as usual. And now, I get to switch sports tonight and go boo Barry Bonds in person. Hooray!
hoa

FIFA should let Mexico manager smoke or else he can think of strategy for the team. just kidding, great effort from Angola, some club should give Angola goalie a job after this game!
diego

Oh, and by the way, except for the inflated FIFA rankings – but of course, they spend their whole time playing each other!!! – there is NO CONCACAF team than has any right to call itself a “soccer superpower”.
Mcthingy2

Great stuff from Angola. Loved the shirts as well. Looked like a bunch of 70s disco dancers out there.

Mexico showed their true underachieving selves today. Watched it down the Britannia Arms in San Jose, CA where there were 200 Mexicans, a mariarchi band and a lot of Dos Equis drunk. I’m glad AnGOALa didn’t score……I don’t think I would have made it out there alive.
Pogue Maghon

what a sloppy game. The score made the ending exciting, though. Not sure that Angola really had any idea how to score. A 4-4-2 against Iran?
Carl

Great. Although, I would have been much happier if Mexico lost. Mexico is the reason why soccer doesn’t stick in the USA
Mcthingy2

If I was the Mexican manager I’d whip out a huge stogie for the next game. Rubusto # 10 or some such. FIFA might have banned him from cigarettes…….but what about cigars?

There’s nothing like a footie manager puffing on a big log to instill confidence in a team. I loved it back in Scotland when my coach lit up the big fellah and I smelled it wafting over the field. Ahhhh….memories, mamaries.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

katie,

The US finished ahead of Mexico on goal differential, so I’m not sure how our presence in the group would explain Mexico’s ability to qualify.

That said, CONCACAF sure isn’t looking very good.
NOE JR

yeah now we see how much we need Borgetti !
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/worldcupfan/ dw

Some people have talked about cutting CONCACAF’s spots in the Cup. The problem is that if you cut it back to 2.5, Trinidad wouldn’t be in Germany. And who gets that extra space? I think it’s hard to think about giving it to Africa when they’re hard-pressed to put a team into the knockout stages. And Europe certainly doesn’t need another one. I can see giving it to Asia with Australia joining up.

But, still, taking spots away doesn’t help Mexico or the USA; it hurts the minnows.
rosie

Missed most of the game and the blog ..just saw the end …good on you Angola for staying in….. !!!Here’s to Mantorras and to João Ricardo…good luck for the next match we’ll get there….!!
Johnny

Mexico is not a good soccer team the only reason they qualify every time is because there only competition is the US and carribean which are not good. Great soccer comes from South America and Europe
Felipe

Mexico showed how much they really suck today. Africa has bad soccer teams and they couldn’t even score against them. And Angola had only ten players. Those people that say Mexico is a great soccer team are wrong. I have no idea how they got there ranking. They need to make a better ranking system.
Nolan

CONCACAF should be merged with CONMEBOL, I could see Mexico and even the US improving by having to work for their place in the world cup. Right now the most impressive North American team has been Trinidad and Tobago, I hope Mexico does better against Portugal because Rafael Marquez is great.
Kaveh

Hi

let me tell u that u were very lucky against a shaky iranian defence,

you’ll be in real trouble against portugal.
http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/goldenmama5/ gasmama

Bob, you have millions of fans! It took me hours to get to the end of site, “Leave a Replay.” You sez,”Angola won with tie against Mexico.” Definitely you’re right. We all agree. I had gone nuts if I’d been in the arina.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/june-16-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html June 16: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

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Steve

This is an excellent result for Angola. It also makes the Iran-Angola match i’m going to see all the more exciting. It would be good to see at least 1 African team go through to the last 16.
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http://http//www.cat-malos.persianblog.ir hamid

wery gooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

میدوارم عاشقان انگولا موفق باشند ببخشید که من انگلیسی خوب بلد نیستم

a iranian yong.