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Goncalves hails battling Angola

16 Jun 2006 - 23:16:40

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Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves was thrilled by his side's feisty display in the goalless draw against Mexico.

The African team had to survive a late onslaught in the World Cup Group D clash after Andre Macanga picked up his second yellow card, and Goncalves felt his players' efforts deserved a point.

"Angola controlled the match and this draw is a signal that Angola is here at the tournament and building a very good team," he said.

"We laid down a strategy not to concede goals. In the second half we gave our best and lost a man.

"To play with 11 was hard but with 10 it was even harder.

"It was a battling performance against a strong Mexican team.

"I think we showed in the end that we deserved this draw. This will be very important for us. We moved the ball around well."

Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe was furious about his side's inability to find the net and admitted he now has doubts about whether they can reach the last 16.

"We controlled the ball but when it doesn't go in, you end up as we did with a draw," said La Volpe.

"As far as the next game is concerned, we have to wait to see how Saturday's game finishes between Iran and Portugal before deciding our approach."