Iran’s Team Melli have gone into half-time 0-0 against Angola’s Palancas Negras in their last match in Group D in Leipzig on Wednesday, with Angola still capable of reaching the last sixteen in the tournament.

Angola need to win against Iran and erase the three goal deficit by which they trail Mexico and hope that Mexico lose to Portugal to progree to the last sixteen in their debut appearance at the World Cup Finals.

Iran started the game the stronger team, with Ferydoon Zandi being played through by a fabulous reverse pass, but the Zandi could only shoot straight at Angola keeper Joao Ricardo as he raced from his line.

Angola created their first half-chance of the match in the 12th minute when Akwa flicked the ball on for Mateus, but his volley went over the bar from 25 yards out.

Figueiredo forced Team Melli keeper Ebrahim Mirzapour to make a sprawling save away to his right after Iran fail to clear their lines from an Akwa cross as Angola came into the game.

Iran had a fabulous chance to take the lead, but veteran striker Ali Daei (who has 109 international goals to his name) headed over from four yards when he was completely unmarked.

Vahid Hashemian had another chance for Iran, who rose high from a corner, with his header on target, only for Mendonca to clear off the line and Rahman Rezaei to slice the rebound wide.

Angola then had four corners in a row, but just couldn’t connect properly and wasted their chances.

Angola had their best effort of the half in the dying minutes, after Akwa played a pass to Arsenio Love who hit a superb right-foot shot that forced Ebrahim Mirzapour to tip the ball over the crossbar.

The half finished 0-0 with chances on both sides, but the lack of class with the final touch was very telling.

Angola still have a good chance of progressing to the next round as mexico are currently trailing Portugal 2-1.

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