A Damp Squid

BACK2BACK
By 40 Years A Blue
June 22 2006

Portugal with Chelsea's Paulo Ferreira and Ricardo Carvalho in their squad reached the last sixteen yesterday with a 2-1 win over Mexico to win their Group, Group D, with three wins from three.

The other Group D game between Iran and Angola, ended in a 1-1 draw.

Ex-Chelsea 'legend' Maniche opened the scoring for Portugal, and then Simao Sabrosa made it 2-0 from the penalty spot. Mexico pulled one back through Jose Fonseca who was voted Man of the Match, and Mexico missed a penalty in the second-half. Mexico had Luis Perez sent off and he now misses Mexico's game against Argentina in Leipzig on Saturday.

In Group C the eagerly anticipated clash between Argentina and Holland finished 0-0 and was in truth a major disappointment. From the Chelsea connection point of view, both Arjen Robben and Hernan Crespo were rested.

Holland now play Portugal in the last 16 and should England prevail against Ecuador also in the last 16, England play the winners.

To complete the standings in Group C, Ivory Coast, minus Didier Drogba, came from two goals down to beat Serbia & Montenegro 3-2 with Kalou scoring in the 86th minute from the penalty spot.

In today's action Czech Republic play Italy and Ghana face the USA in Group E. Both games kick off at 3pm. In Group F, Japan take on Brazil and Croatia play Australia, both games kick off at 8pm.

COME ON ENGLAND!

40 YEARS A BLUE!