LiveBlog: Mexico-Iran

June 11th, 2006 | by: Peter |

Mexico wins it! After dragging for the first few minutes and looking a step slow against a pumped up Iran, Mexico came back to score first and took a 1-1 tie to the half. The second half was all Mexico as Iran looked like they were either gassed or playing for a tie. Goals by Omar Bravo and Antonio Naelson in the second half put Iran away. We’ve got 90 minutes of liveblogging and plenty of comments to read through for more information.

Full: Good result for Mexico in a game that could have turned ugly for them. It looked like Iran might run away with it until Mexico took over, scored first, settled down and then came out of the half in complete control.

87:21 Looks like John, our team blogger for Mexico called it. He predicted a 1-1 tie at the half and a 3-1 victory for Mexico. Check it out here.

83:46 The celebration has started for Mexico’s fans.

81:35 Iran seems to have regained a little spunk but I don’t think Mexico is going to let them anywhere near a goal.

78:45 Antonio Naelson heads in a cross to the left corner. Playing to tie is not working out for Iran.

78:40 GOAL MEXICO!

77:00 I am learning the German words for “huge mistake” watching these replays.

75:35 An Iran defender fails to clear the ball and loses control. Bravo with the goal. Mexico 2 Iran 1.

75:29 GOAL MEXICO!

72:11 Blogger Chris says this game reminds him of the siege of Carthage, where both sides tried to wait the other out. Correct his history if you can.

70:40 The shadow is 3/4 of the way across the field and both teams look like they’ve settled into a midfield game. I guess this is what happen when two teams from the sun have to play in the shade.

65:05 1-1 still but Iran doesn’t look like the same team. I’ve seen more inspiration at a cricket match in Nebraska.

64:07 A Mexico corner after the Iran goalie apparently just didn’t feel like going to get the ball. It was right in front of him.

61:11 Iran spends 30 consecutive seconds within striking distance but resorts to launching the ball into the stands instead of kicking it anywhere near the goal.

59:35 Omar Bravo with a decent acting job gets a (suprise!) free kick!

57:41 Iran resorts to taking down Rafael Marquez as he approaches the goal. Judges are split on whether it was a flop or not.

55:30 And I mean like Long Gone.

55:29 The assertion and confidence that Iran showed for the first few minutes of the game has disappeared.

54:05 Yellowcard for Javad Nekounam. I didn’t see anything. Score still 1-1.

53:26 Corner for Mexico. Corners are the new free kicks.

51:00 Francisco Fonseca in for Borgetti. The German kommentator is throwing around words like “superstar” that I can understand.

49:00 Replay of Iran losing the ball, I guess so they don’t have to show the major soul-patch of the Mexico coach. Looks like Borgetti is about to come off.

47:00 Iran loses the ball in the far corner, Mexico fails doesn’t get much of an advantage out of it.

45:40 World Cup Blog is watching the game on a different channel now, the shadow is just as bad despite better camera angles.

45:00 Couple of half-time subs for Mexico and we’re underway.

Half Time: Iran came out looking like they were going to run all over Mexico, keeping the ball at their end of the field for most of the first 10 minutes. Mexico came to life about 18 minutes in and scored first. Iran answered with a goal in the 35th minute.

44:59 The half ends one second early and both teams are off the field. Great half. Fast and furious action with fun to watch football.

43:28 Apparently this game is being played in Nurnberg. I feel like an idiot, ignore all that Wikipedia nonsense below.

40:52 Mexico is leading Iran 13-9 in fouls. If only it could be used as a tie breaker.

38:40 31.3 m free kick for Mexico. The shadow is slowly encroaching on midfield and suddenly that’s the most exciting action on the field. Both teams hoping to head into the half with a tie.

37:44 Looks like Mexico’s trying to slow the game down, holding back in their own territory.

35:10 Yahya Golmohammadi follows a header that would have been in if not for a spectacular save. 1-1.

35:02 GOAL IRAN!

33:00 Unnecesarily long slow motion replay of goal celebration, I’m not sure why it’s up there, I missed a bunch of the game looking for a follow up to the Wikipedia mexican stand-off information.

31:00 Ball possession shown to be at exactly 50-50. Not quite a Mexican stand-off but similar. Still 1-0.

29:58 Another Beckanbauer sighting. It’s really admirable of him to make the effort to travel to every game in his personal helicopter.

27:30 A Franco header to Bravo off a(nother) set piece. Iran defenders MIA.

27:00 GOAL MEXICO!

26:20 Another Mexico free kick with a camera angle that had me convinced the ball was headed toward the goal.

24:30 A Mexico corner in a game with more free kicks than corners so far.

23:16 Important game time information: according wikipedia, a Mexican stand off is when both sides are at an impasse, a dilemna that neither side can win. Why this information is included in the liveblog: the movie Munich is referenced as an example of a Mexican stand-off and this game is being played in Munich.

21:00 Mexico seems to be getting over their jet-lag and coming back to life. With the frantic pace this game is going to see some goals VERY soon.

18:00 I knew the first flop of the game wasn’t far behind. Classic plant and dive results in a Mexico free kick.

17:50 First yellowcard of the game. Gerardo Torrado makes gets solid contact with an Iran body. Suprising that the Card Count is outpacing the Flop Count.

16:01 The speed of this game is refreshing. Bravo gets undercut and lobs his free kick to the goalie. Even he didn’t think it had a chance.

14:45 An anonymous forward hiding in the shadow takes three Iran defenders but doesn’t really get a good look at the goal.

13:00 Free kick for Mexico. Honest effort but not really close.

10:50 Two CLOSE calls for Mexico, Iran gets a cross through and then a header goes wide right. I’m sticking by my Iran 3 Mexico 0 prediction.

8:00 Reports coming in that Mexico is significantly shorter than Iran as a team, they also seem to be significantly slower.

6:50 A phantom offsides call against Iran. They look strong, moving the ball more quickly than Mexico.

5:33 Rafael Marquez with the commanding tackle in the box. He got the ball first but I still yelled at the TV for a few seconds.

2:45 Mahdavikia with a long range shot, suprisingly close off the right post.

1:25 Iran’s keeping the ball in Mexico territory, play is hugging the close sideline in the shadow. Both teams look strong.

00:00 Iran looks sharp in their all red unis with white shoes. Mexico is invisible in the shadows.

Awkward exchange at midfield, Iran’s giving Mexico a hand-made rug, Mexico’s giving Iran a flag from a street vendor.

Beckanbauer sighting. He was at the Leipzig game an hour ago, the guy is amazing.

Very little shadow on the pitch, this IS a state of the art stadium.

Based on our pre-game comments, Mexico is actually the underdog. Any Mexico fans out there? From the looks of the pre game stadium shots they’ve got a major advantage in crowd support. A solid band of green is ringing the stadium.

We’re debating the art of the flop at World Cup Blog HQ and we’d like your thoughts. What would be the most effective dive deterrent? Video replays with post-game yellowcards? On field review? Backhanded slaps from a large woman?

Pregame: It is a hot day in Germany. Any predictions?

International Football News – World Cup Blog RSS Feed

http://www.worldcupblog.org/group-d/preview-mexico-vs-iran.html Preview: Mexico vs. Iran – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

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

I predict something of either a tie of 1-1 or if the underdog (in this case Iran) pulling a goal through. Hard to tell since the two have barely played in some time.
Ali Siddiqui

Oh and I think the hot weather is affecting every team so far that we’ve seen.
Roland

Mexico is going to win, but not as easily as they expect to. I’m predicitng 2 – 0 for this one.
http://sean.keener.org Keener

Iran wins 2 – 0
gold

Iran is gonna win.
Maybe 2-1
forweg

Iran 3 Mexico 1

I simply think Iran is the stronger squad. It’s not their fault everyone always ignores all of the Asian teams.

Oh dear, Univision is going to be extremely biased.
Sam

iran will win 3-1
!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mexiko

mexiko!Tor>>>
Mary

Is there any way to watch the game online?
zé

Well, it seems predictions are quite opposed this time around, so we can expect an interesting game :)
jojo

hey..well i hope Mexico wins, but it will be a close one…anyway does anyone know how i can watch it online..i’m at work :(
Keyser

Let’s see what mexico has to offer. many thought that it was excessive to place them as head of a group and that NL should have been in its place.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

hi Ali, Roland, Keyser, Ze …hope we hv a good game :)
Ali

I AM WITH IRAN .HOPE IRAN WINS
GO IRAN GO
jacko

I don’t know who to root for. First of course USA, then maybe Ecuador and Mexico, our good neighbors, and Canada. I am of English and Italian blood and live in a Brazilian neighborhood, so I think I will root for all of the above and then await developments. It’s a wonderful spectacle even if nothing much counts on the field.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Mexico underdogs? they are ranked 4 by FIFA
Bob

Wow that Mexican anthem lasts a long time. Their player’s arms must get tired.
Chris

BBC says 25,000 Mexicanos and 4,000 Shah supporters’s in the ground.
3-1 to the boys from the Rio Bravo side.
Bidemi

This is going to be a great match- much better than Netherlands vs SNM.

I hope Mexico wins. I hated them with a passion before (I’m a Yank), but now I hope any team in the Americas does well. Got to support my region.
hoa

GO Irannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

we have shadows, including a huge one of the light tower
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

first shot at goal is by Iran
Ali Siddiqui

Hahahaha!! I’m so amped for this match. Wonder if any political intrigue will occur?
Bob

This game is a good warm up for the real game of the day Angola – Portugal. Come on Palancas.
Keyser

penalty! hey!
Sal

Rafa with the nice slide tackle. Tough move in the box. Good no call.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Iran is playing a very defensive formation
ran

Do they always do that gift exchange at the beginning of a match?
Sal

Anyone else rooting for Iran?
Ali Siddiqui

How does the Mexican side look so far?
Sal

Mexico doesn’t look great. Iran has had the run of the play.
Keyser

iran doesn’t look that bad in the first minuets. are we about to see a 2nd T&T?
hoa

Iran looking good, go Irannnnnnnnnnn
Ali Siddiqui

I’m rooting for Iran as the Underdogs at the moment. I’ve predicted that there must be at least one upset match each day. :D
zé

Ali Siddiqui, hardly. Football is the antithesis of polithics. Remember that USA match vs Iran? That had the fuel to be one of the most politically-influenced match of the recent history, and this is what happened:

http://www.iranian.com/Arts/2000/January/IranUS/

Or the 1998 world cup, where this also happened:

http://www.expertfootball.com/history/wc/1998_3a.jpg

I love football.
Rip

Why is Iran wearing red? I thought they would be in white.
Chris

No and ok.
Roland

Both sides are still settling in and feeling each other out. Iran looks physically quite good. let’s see if they have the legs to run late in the second. Mexico will.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

10 mins and Mexico yet to take a shot at the goal !
malik

hey everyone, im stuck at work for this game which i anticipate to be a high scoring game….IRAN 4-MEX2..anyones thoughts?
zé

Great header.
Bidemi

Iran is playing very well.
Roland

Oh, my God, two saves by Sanchez! Iran pressuring, but can’t find the net.
Sal

Great chance by Iran. Should have burried that. Hashemian on fire. Great saves from Sanchez.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

2 near misses by Iran within a minute of each other
Keyser

uhhhh
iran was really close
malik

iran is wearing theyre away jerseys, hows the game look guys?
Hashemian

Come on Team Melli! This one is ours.
Roland

Mexico likes to strike on the counterattack, but they need to come out more to challenge the Iranian defense.
zé

Iran keep it on Mexico’s field, they have the ability and the willpower. Not looking good for our Concacaf friends.
hoa

Iran is controlling the game now guys!
Roland

Mexico free kick.
Bidemi

Iran also look technically superior. They also play good attack to defence. Hmm..seems like they have the natural edge in this game.

Maybe a 2-0 scoreline.
Hashemian

14 minutes in and this has been all Iran.
Ali Siddiqui

Lets hope that Iran doesn’t burn itself out before Half Time.
Roland

Mexico starting to pressure a little more.
Keyser

I forecasted a MEX 3 – 0 IRN
Seems that will be yet another ridiculous prediction on my side.
Roland

Iran corner kick coming.
Hashemian

Corner kick Iran. Come on Lads!!! We need to get the lead here.
Ali Siddiqui

For all we know Mexico may decide to lay in the full attack in the 2nd tiring out Iran. If that’s their plan it’s one risky one seeing the close calls!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

first mexican shot at goal ..finally
Roland

Mexico vulnerable to the air game, but watch their counters!
Hashemian

I hope Iran has been training hard they are expending a lot of enery early on.
zé

Good defense by Mexico’s GK. Not as easy as it looked – completely against the sun, and a ball with a slight curve after hitting one of the defenders.
Ali Siddiqui

Yup. I think Mexico maybe getting the hang of this now!
Sal

Mexico looks very small and not especially physical. Iran would be smart to push them around a bit.
zé

I mean, by Iran’s GK.
Sal

Yellow to Torrado. Well deserved. Should get red card for the hair.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

yellow card for mexico…do i sense frustration now?
Roland

Torrado too eager. Yellow for a kick to the shin.
Ali Siddiqui

Oh my. Not a good sign this early in the game to start getting frustrated. Lack of co-ordination?
Bob

Has the Angola game started yet? :-)
Ali Siddiqui

Hahaha! Oh Bob we still have a few hours to go for the Angola game!!
Roland

Iran seemed to be short a man on that wall.
Al

This Iran team looks like it has quite a bit of pluck to the them. Could they be a surprise in this tournament? I think they might be but we’re only 20 minutes into this one.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

iranian defence is going to be a tough nut to crack..there are just too many red shirts there!
zé

Both teams are surely taking freekicks from the midfield seriously.
Roland

One too many, rather. They played three where you normally play two from that range.
Ali Siddiqui

Oh Lord no! The diving has already begun?!
Roland

Mexico header on the corner. Mexico threatening now.
Ali Siddiqui

1 yellow card so far on the score for Mexico.
Hashemian

Iran’s coach is much better dressed than Mexico’s. Advantage: Iran
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

mexico is disappointing…they are in the shadow :)
Ali Siddiqui

New prediction choices, “How many yellow cards do you think they will get?”

Mexico 4 vs. 3 Iran
Roland

Iran doing a good job keeping the Mexicans from entering their rhythm. Iran corner now.
Roland

Sorry, Mexico corner.
Keyser

nice counterattack by mexico. in 10″ they were on the other side
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

mexico had a good chance from that corner
Roland

Mexico can score on these guys but so far they haven’t taken advantage of their opportunities. Another free kick.
Hashemian

Mexico a lot of free kicks but unable to convert.
http://fifaworldcup.sporati.com/liveblogging-mexico-vs-iran.page FIFAworldcup.com – The Un Official Site of Fifa World Cup 2006

Liveblogging: Mexico vs Iran

Mexico: 0 Iran: 0

24’ Checkin In… Sorry for being late. I am now checking in the liveblog.

Liveblogging: The Mexico – Iran match is now Live. Boom…

Technorati Tags: FIFA World Cup, World Cup, FIFA World Cup 2006, Germa…
zé

Well, that changes everything.
Roland

Golll!!!
Hashemian

Bravo goal for Mexico. Damn
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

mexico scores totally against run of play
Roland

That time Iran had only one man on the wall where they should have had two. It didn’t help them. Mexico 1 – 0.
Vat

Gooooooooooooal
Ali Siddiqui

My oh my. There goes my prediction!
zé

Despite Iran’s pleas he was not offside.
Hashemian

Iran controlled the first 20 minutes but have given up too many free kicks. They got burned. Too bad. Now they need to come back.
Keyser

Ze, i was about to write the same. let’s see what’s iran made of.
Ali Siddiqui

Yup def. got burned out.
Roland

Mexico is too much for these guys. If the Mexicans start clicking this will get ugly. The Iranian defense is highly suspect.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Bravo was left unmarked …inexperience of Iran shows there
Bob

I don’t think I’ve gotten a prediction right in this tournament. I have Iran winning this one. Good news for all you Mexico fans.
Roland

Nice Iran crosser that time, but no one to take advantage.
mexiko

1:0
Ali Siddiqui

2-1 Mexico the way things are going so far.
Dino

Hey guys what’s the score?
Ali Siddiqui

Hey Dino! 1-0 Mexico leading!
Sal

I wonder where Blanco is watching this game. Probably on a beach surrounded by women. Poor bastard.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Franco was the architect of the goal…Bravo nudged in the header
Ali Siddiqui

Bravo for Bravo I suppose! :D
Roland

Iran corner coming now.
Dino

Txs Ali I have 3-0 pred
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Iran scores !!!
Roland

Iran goal!
Keyser

jujujuju!!!!
1-1
this is getting funny!!!!!!!
Vat

Good goal by Iran
Dino

Hope Iran suprises us though and wins
Ali Siddiqui

YAY! 1-1!!
Sal

GOALLLLLLL!!!!!!!! Iran 1-1. YESSSSSS!!!!!
Roland

Indecisive play by Sanchez costs Mexico.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

it came off a corner…great going Iran !
zé

That’s what I call “brute force”. A well deserved goal.
Vat

heheehehe real funny/exciting!!! 3-3 tie???
Ali Siddiqui

2 goals even before half-time! This is gonna get GOOOOD!! :D
Bob

Hey, this is turning out the be a fun game after all. Good job of recovering by Iran. They could have rolled over and died.
Keyser

OK, guys, what do we eat today? Tacos or kebab?
hoa

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhh Irannnnnnnnnn
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this is an even contest guys !
Roland

Elbow to the neck. Mexico free kick.
Ali Siddiqui

How about Fusion Food Keyser? Taco’s filled with Kebabs!!
Hashemian

A battle of set pieces in this game. Iran needs to do a better job marking on free pieces. Come on Team Melli!
Ali Siddiqui

If Mexico doesn’t watch it they may get carded for time wasting if they hold on to the ball to much.
Roland

I still think the Mexican defense will prove better than Iran’s, but it’s anybody’s game right now.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

the shadow is creeping in..spoiler !
Hashemian

Can you hear Mexico sing….noooo, noooo
Ali Siddiqui

^”The Shadow” sounds like a villian of sorts!
Roland

The Shadow knows!
Roland

Iran free kick.
zé

The Shadow knowsssss…..
Ali Siddiqui

The new unoffical mascot of the WC. The Shadow making life difficult for commentators and players alike!
Dino Zoff

what a game!

http://www.worlcupwatcher.com
Dino

Are they playing well or are they scrappy?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

clean even contest so far…fair half time score
Hashemian

Good half from Iran. We’re going to pull this one out!!!
http://www.ringtonejump.com/ringtones/us/ Andreas

I thought Mexico is the favorite, but with several Iranian players being part of Bundesliga teams, it really looks like they have a good chance to win this game.

However, we are probably looking at a 2:2 after 90 minutes.
Ali Siddiqui

2nd half will be quite interesting once they rest up.
Roland

Half-time. Quite an interesting match. Iran has hung in there. Color me impressed.

However, there are real questions about their defense and their approach to forming a defensive wall is…unconvetional, to say the least.
Ali Siddiqui

2-2 isn’t hard to believe the two teams seem quite evenly matched so far. It’ll all depend on endurance in the 2nd half and who gets the ball in action on the right side first.
Dino

Ok is it safe to say that Porto is going to wrap it up!
Keyser

mexico seems more solid on defense, but the match is open for any of both sides, at least in my opinion.
there’ll be more goals for sure.
Ali Siddiqui

Apparently, the weather at the Franken-Stadion is a lovely 23 degrees Celcius or 73 degrees Fahrenheit.
Albert

As I am posting this at half-time. The score is tied 1-1. I believe Mexico will prevail by scoring twice in the second half…the third being a late one. Viva Mexico!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Heh, I couldn’t find a Mexican broadcast, so I ended up on Radio Hispana, XERCN from Tijuana-San Diego. The announcer is talking about what a horror it would be if the US (who “just started playing soccer”) ended up winning the World Cup. Good reminder of why, though in general I love anything Latin American, sporting rivalry compels me to cheer for Iran. (-:
zé

Frankenstadium?? That’s a cool name.
Ali Siddiqui

Hahaha!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Besides, I want someone to share our shame from 1998. Not that losing to Iran should be embarrassing — but the way that WC turned out for us, it certainly was!
Dino

lol
Ali Siddiqui

Franken-Stadion actually but, meh! Frankenstadium just sounds cooler.
Ali Siddiqui

Oh man I wish I had broad band internet. Then I could use the World Cup Watcher site properly. bah! Curses to Wireless internet!
malik

this should be a good second half…btw USA is not going to win one game this cup
Roland

Mexico was devastated by their loss to the US last cup. The wound has not healed.
Dino

what do you mean Ali how?
Ali Siddiqui

Revenge is always sweet when met.
Ali Siddiqui

“We’re debating the art of the flop at World Cup Blog HQ and we’d like your thoughts. What would be the most effective dive deterrent? Video replays with post-game yellowcards? On field review? Backhanded slaps from a large woman?”

Oh man. These comments seize to make me laugh out loud.
Keyser

juju. franco out. the mexican media will tear him into pieces.
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

malik,

I don’t claim to know the future. But will you still be around to answer for your prediction if (when) it goes down in flames?

For the record, I think the US is going to have a tough time because of the overall strength of the group — but I don’t talk about future sporting events as a certainty because I’m not a fortune-teller.
Ali Siddiqui

Well Dino, with wireless it makes the internet run pretty slow…so to stream a live game is nearly impossible.
Dino

Red card even out of the box and also at the first try
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Ali,

Sounds like a job for the S&M team.
Ali Siddiqui

And for some reason I can’t read chinese which is what most of the streams on worldcupwatcher seems to use… :(
Roland

The games are hacked in China and routed through Israel.
http://ecuador.worldcupblog.org/ Trent

This shadow business could not have been a surprise.

Pretty annoying.
Ali Siddiqui

Damnation! The Shadow strikes once again!
dick

Iran 2 Mexico 2
Great game.

ABC commentators Nil.

Did they import these know-nothings from FOX? We want informed commentary on the match, not anti-Iran propaganda.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

the shadow is just horrible now
http://www.pierretristam.com Candide’s Notebooks

Live-Blogging the Iran-Mexico game, with attitude: http://www.pierretristam.com
malik

I am no fortune teller neither, I just see that USA might be a techniclly sound team, but they have no art, no beauty in theyre movement, they are lucky to be participating in the cup, USA should be happy with that…but to answer your question, i log on every day, so I will be here when Czech wins 3-0, and when Italy wins4-1, and when ghana wins2-1….thanks PHIL!!!!!!
Hashemian

Adios Borghetti. Enjoy the training room….
Dino

I hope Iran pulls it off
Roland

All Mexico so far this half.
Roland

That looked like hands. Mexico lucky that time.
Ali Siddiqui

Borghetti, sounds almost Italian!
Sal

Mexico controlling the start of second half. Will Iran step it up?
malik

so far my prediction to the iran game is well on its way to reality
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

referee wags a finger at an Iranian player
Ali Siddiqui

Iran may choose to counter…unless they wish to have Mexico rachet up with another goal.
Dino

speaking of refing how has it been?
Roland

Iran lucky that wasn’t a penalty kick. Mexican corner coming.
Ali Siddiqui

Was that a phantom yellow carding?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

all ten red shirts are in the mexican half…that’s the way Iran is defending
Roland

Pretty Mexican soccer on display there. Iran starting to feel pressure.
Keyser

Iran is still in the locker room. Everything is green in this second half. Almost a Heineken advertisement.
Bob

Is it time for the Angola game yet? I’m eager to LiveBlog today.

Good game. Credit to both Iran and Mexico for attacking.
Ali Siddiqui

Chances of Mexico scoring a tie breaker?
Ali Siddiqui

Phantom red shirts on the field Keyser? :D
Roland

Iran look increasingly hapless.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

this is a tactically different defence from previous 6 games
Sal

Iran appears to be playing for the tie. Mexico seems to want it more this half.
Ali Siddiqui

I think Iran should start putting in their subs…so far Mexico has been trading players on and off the bench like clockwork.
Roland

Iran is slowing down. Mexico looks dynamic next to them now. Conditioning is starting to tell. Remember those high altitude lungs can draw quite a lot of air.
nes

Vamos México chingada madre!
Keyser

Ali, I can’t believe these are the same players. they look terrible.
I think the original Iran side must are been held captive in the locker room by the CIA and they sent to the field 11 clones trained in guantanamo.
Dino

lots of practice holding their breaths while toking on a doobie
Roland

Big Iranian error. Mexico corner.
Jonathan

The ABC announcers are horrible.
Hashemian

This has been a disgrace of a performance this half. What did our coach tell the guys at halftime? Go play like a bunch of donkeys?

Come on, Team Melli!
Ali Siddiqui

Well, Keyser, weirder things have occured in sports. Like ping pong being a part of the Olympics for one thing. However, I think it’s due to the Iranians being intimidated by the weather, lungs as Roland pointed out, and drugged water….that and the coach doesn’t seem to like putting in the subs that he should right about now!!
Roland

First chance for an Iranian goal this half.
Sal

Started to fall asleep here. This game had such promise in the beginning but has bogged down this half.
Ali Siddiqui

Looks like Iran made a substitution on the 63″ mark for Karimi off and Madanchi on.
ben

what happens if mexican keeper gets a red card seeing as mexico has used all thier subs ?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

I can’t see Iran scoring again in this game…but will their defence crumble under Mexican pressure? That’s the question
Sal

Iran appears to be very happy getting a point. Can’t blame them really. Lose to Portugal, beat Angola and they could advance.
ben

but if mexico does the same then ur stuck at tiebreakers. not smart.
Ali Siddiqui

Well, ben it’ll then be one man off and no one in the net. It’s rare but it has happened before.
ben

could they put a player in the net?
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Mexican keeper can take a nap actually :)
malik

hows the game coming?
Roland

Iran playing for the tie now. They have only two guys up.
Ali Siddiqui

Most likely yes but he won’t be able to play as goalie and use his hands…he can however use his body as a shield and hopefully the other team won’t get any penalty kicks.
Keyser

Iran renounced to attack. but there is still way to go… why do so, if they did well in the first half? the only explanation I find is that they are running out of fuel.
Ali Siddiqui

54% Mexico vs. 46% Iran: ball possession
Roland

GOOOLLL!!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Bravo !!!!
Ali Siddiqui

You got it Keyser! I thought they would do that. Burn out in the first and hobble in the 2nd. :D
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Ali,

Are you certain? I’m almost sure I saw a game where an outfield player ran over to get some sort of makeshift GK jersey from the sideline because the keeper had gotten sent off.
Roland

Man that was fast! Magnificent Mexican goal!
zé

Ali: not really, they can get a guy from the team (say, a defender) and put him on the goal as the goalkeeper. He must change his jersey though.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

This should awake Iran now
Sal

Huge mistake by Iran defence. Bravo with the goal. There goes the tie. Stupid play by Iran. Dumb to play for the tie.
Keyser

what a stupid goal. and now? what do we do, iran?
Ali Siddiqui

Really? That’s odd I remember watching a game from South America where they did have a defender play as goalie but he wasn’t allowed to use his hands…
Mel

Bravo with two goals. Possible Golden Boot!
Roland

Mexican defensive pressure yields an opportunistic goal on turnover. Now that is how you play it folks.
Ali Siddiqui

Oh well, if I got it wrong I humbly apologize! And Iran…man…I’m disappointed!
Roland

GOOOLLLL!
Hashemian

Inexcusable performance in the second half. Why play for the tie when you are creating chances like we did in the first half.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Iran is destroyed now
Roland

The floodgates are opening folks. There could be more.
Keyser

nice gooal. now it’s absolutely over.
Ali Siddiqui

Looks like it Taco night down at the local pub!
Dino

Fifa laws of the game you must have a gk
Roland

No way these guys can hang with Mexico. Be on notice – the Mexicans are for real this year.
Hashemian

Ugh. Game over. Iran’s coach should be fired right now. Don’t let him coach the last 10 minutes.
Ali Siddiqui

Your kidding me!? O_o Another this soon!!
zé

Iran got burned too quickly. There it goes, 3-1, by Zinha, a brazilian player. Brazil hasn’t even started playing and we already scored a goal! That’s how good our team is! :D
Claudio

It was a brazilian goal :D
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Iran is paying the penalty for a negative game
Sal

I still think Mexico is very average. They will have trouble against bigger, physical teams.
Mary

!!!viva mexico!!!
Ali Siddiqui

Throw in the substitutions!! Sell your soul coach!
http://sports.godblessthefreaks.org Philip

Well, sounds like it’s a deserved onslaught for Mexico. Now do i go with the fitness-from-altitude theory or the CIA one? Hmmm….
Keyser

what I don’t get: if the guys are exhausted, why didn’t the iranian coach make some changes?
Ali Siddiqui

A Brazilian scoring for Mexico and giving them a lead!! Bravo!! :D
Roland

I think Brazil just scored again, by the way…
TravMan

Thanks to whoever left the link this morning. I’m watching here:

http://www.a7lakalam.com/worldcup2006/tv1.htm
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Mexico has perfomed well …on par now with Argentina and Netherlands
Hashemian

Keyser – You’re right. Brancko should have used his bench better. And talk about a lack of fitness. Our guys are dragging out there. Get in shape boys. its the f*uck*ning world cup
Ali Siddiqui

Philip, I think you should go with the team deciding to defect at the earliest moment in Germany. What a total loss for a game. How are the Mexican fans doing?
zé

No, just one.. Antonio Naelson = Zinha.
Bob

This one is over. Time for Angola to rock and roll.
Sassan

If ali dai didnt play we wouldnt have gotten scored on.
Ali Siddiqui

OMG. Travman thank you for the link!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

it will now be tacos and nachos Keyser :)
Roland

Good no call.
Ali Siddiqui

OH man the Iranian coach looks pale.
Ali Siddiqui

I can hear the Mexican fans chanting, “Ole Ole!”
Roland

I think Mexico will score again. And Angola is not going to beat Portugal. No chance.
zé

Iran has shown they can play a match with the big boys, but they lacked guts and maybe some key substitutions during the match. Bad luck for them, but it’s nice they managed to score as they deserved it.
Keyser

guacamole here I go!!!!!!
turn on the oven and prepare the fajitas!!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

mexican fans are dancing now on the stands
jacko

Buena suerte, muchachos!
Ali Siddiqui

I think mexico has this in the bag. They are practically passing the ball about for fun now.
Roland

Iran free kick chance.
malik

DAMN IRANI COACH!!! AND THE GOAL KEEPR!!!THEY BOTH NEED TO GO!WTF!!!!!
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

good try at bicycle kick by Iran
AJ

Great effort by Iran but too bad you need to play 90 minutes and not 30.
Keyser

hey this is almost my day!
I got the first and I said 2-1 mexico.
If I continue like this Angola doesnt stand a chance against portugal.
http://pepys_s.rediffblogs.com/ mohan

Very impressive show by Mexico
zé

End game. Good try, Iran. Better luck next time.
Ali Siddiqui

Hahaha Keyser you never know…they may have an upset? Maybe Figo will throw the game? :p
Roland

Great call by John. More scoring than I expected, but an exciting game for about five minutes.
Ali Siddiqui

It’s over!
Ali Siddiqui

Looks like the Mexican goalie is getting alot of love by his team.
Roland

Right, see you next match mates: Portugal, Angola – the ex-colonial grudge match. With respect to the Angolans, Portugal have to be the favorites here.
Ali Siddiqui

See you all for the Angola game!
Flip

both teams were sloppy for the most part, and boring.
Flip

lets hope C. Ronaldo will play some exciting futbol
Ali Siddiqui

And bravo to the Mexican team for really putting some awesome goals within a matter of minutes!
Keyser

A pleasure guys.
see you in an hour in the next blog. now I need to get a shower. It’s 30° here and no AC.
my forecast: Por 3:0 Ang
Ali Siddiqui

Later Keyser and all you footie fanatics off to Angola! Bob’s favourites? I think so!
Albert

Bellissimo!!!!!!!!!!!! Viva mi MEXICO!!! As I said..3-1 “with a late third goal” (icing on the cake). My regards to Oswaldo Sanchez…May his father rest in peace. Great effort to Iran! Kudos
Evan

What a dissapointing game….

…but it turned out the right way, so I’m not complaining.

VIVA MEXICO!
http://talksportsnow.blogspot.com Rich

What a great victory for Mexico, that was a nice game for them.

They are heading for the finals.

Please check out our sports podcast on the World Cup and other sports at:

http://talksportsnow.blogspot.com
http://www.strangerinegypt.com/blog Stranger

Mr. Branko! If you don’t want to win, you don’t deserve to win! If you desire a tie, you actually lose!
http://yahoo.com ernesto

With all due respect. You are not loco, you are just crazy.

Mexico won 3-1
omid

damn it…….i am soooo upset,at least a tie was our right….iran…iran..i love you
fereshteh

we are very sad.team melli will be better.we have hope.
http://www.worldcupblog.org/daily-wrap-up/june-11-the-daily-world-cup-wrap.html June 11: The Daily World Cup Wrap – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

[...] Mexico vs Iran | LiveBlog [...]
Brazilian

Good game, both teams played very well and were equally matched. I knew after few minutes in to the second half that this game would be decided by a fatal mistake, that’s exactly what happenned. When a team gives it all and all of the sudden the goal keeper makes a mistake like that, imagine what that can do to the team. It was the end for Iran at that moment, otherwise they played a very good game until that moment. If mexico made the same mistake I am sure the result would have been to the Iranians in the same manner. That is footbal. These two teams are dangerous to Portugal and expect good games from this group.
http://hamidbhamni.persianblog.com hamid

hay.iran of the world cup 2006

only i.r.iran only

no maxico no portaqale no angola

iran.fars.fasa:hamid bahmani
Aria

Hey ernesto
You should know, with all respect I always see the mexico as a peace of shit in the world map.
Reza

I am sad but we will try to win in Next time if God wants! Help us today..I wish Iran be winner
Reza

Bad luck…but we will win in next game if God wants!…Come on Parsian Stars!
mina

why iranian wants to say iran is good team ?????????????? evryone know its not true