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During the Friday match of Group D, a surprise was recorded - the Mexican national team, which already had one victory, failed to break the resistance of the World Cup debutant Angola. Although the Mexicans dominated the match, the well-playing goalkeeper Joao Ricardo and the crossbar that saved the opponents twice prevented them from scoring goals.
Hannover's AWD Arena, 43,000 spectators Referee - Shamsul Maidin (Singapore) Mexico 0 - 0 Angola
79' Andre Macanga (Angola) sent off
Mexico: Sanchez, Salcido, Marquez, Osorio, Pineda (78' Morales), Torrado, Zinha (52' Arellano), Pardo, Mendez, Franco (74' Fonseca), Bravo.
Angola: Joao Ricardo; Jamba, Kali, Delgado, Loco; Figueiredo (72' Rui Marques), Macanga, Mateus (68' Mantorras), Mendonca; Ze Kalanga (83' Miloy), Akwa.
Angola almost conceded a goal shortly after playing for a few minutes, when a long shot from Carlos Salcido narrowly missed the target. A few minutes later, Pavel Pardo's penalty kick went straight to the opponent's goalkeeper.
In the 14th minute, Rafael Marquez had a dangerous shot, but Angola was saved by the crossbar.
In the second half, Angola tried to shoot from distance many times, and after one shot by Antonio Mendonca, their goalkeeper Oswald Sanchez had to demonstrate his skills.
About an hour into the game, the Mexicans launched a beautiful attack, but still couldn't score: Guillermo Franco passed the ball to C. Salcido, who passed it back to G. Franco, but the latter couldn't beat the opponent's goalkeeper.
In the 66th minute, the Mexicans had another opportunity, but Omar Bravo, left alone in the penalty area, shot straight at Angola's goalkeeper.
With about ten minutes left to play, Angola had to play with ten men, as A. Macanga was sent off for his second yellow card.
At the very end of the match, Rafael Marquez had a very dangerous shot from 30 meters, but Angola's goalkeeper Ricardo pushed it into a corner and helped his team secure their first point in the championship.
