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Portugal 2 - Mexico 1: Mexico came out pressing for a goal, then allowed one on a fast counterattack and precise finish. Mexico almost tied the game two minutes after that. 15 minutes later, the Mexican captain punched (?!) a ball in the area, so a penalty was clearly called for and netted. The Mexicans scored one after the Portuguese brutally failed to cover their back post on a corner kick. Then the Mexicans got a penalty kick called in their favor, but it was shanked. After that, the same guy who caused the penalty kick got a yellow card for diving and, as he already had one, was sent off. Portugal dominated while playing some substitutes. Mexico also played some substitutes and looked lost at times.

Angola 1 - Iran 1: Angola finally scored, and Iran managed to eke out a point. For Angola to move on, Mexico had to lose and Angola had to win and make up a four-goal difference with Mexico. Good luck in `10. I must note that Angola and Trinidad & Tobago both have a predominantly black team, except for one white starter who was born in what was once their colonial master and wears #7.

Argentina 0 - Netherlands 0: A brutal match. Just horrid. Again, lots of subs on both sides, except Argentina's had lots of talent, and yet no real interest in winning the game. This should've been a marquee game and it stank. Biggest disappointment so far.

Ivory Coast 3 - Serbia & Montenegro 2: The Serbs went up 2-0, but the Ivorians clawed back with a penalty (on another idiotic ballpunch by a defender), and after that a Serb got sent off on a double-yellow in first-half injury time. They scored twice more in the second half, the last another penalty kick with less than 5 minutes to go. Good luck in `10.