Portugal lead Mexico 2-1

Portugal lead Mexico 2-1 in the second half of their World Cup Group D match on Wednesday.

In the 6th minute, Portugal lead after their first attack as Simao Sabrosa escapes down the left and squares for Maniche to steer the ball home from 12 metres. Simao Sabrosa scores for Portugal through a penalty in the 24th minute to put Portugal 2-0 ahead. Mexico replied in the 29th minute through Fonesca who heads in a left-wing corner from Pavel Pardo.

Coach Scolari rested a few key players for this match (Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pauletta). However the striker who came on for Pauletta, Helder Postiga, was very quiet in this match and his eventual replacement Nuno Gomez, although slightly better, was also not sharp enough to take the few chances which came along the way. The rest of the team gave a credible performance by controlling the game well and showed some promising moves. The ever reliable Luis Figo was the heart of the team and Simao Sabrosa was also outstanding down the flanks.

If Soccer Pundit is right, Simao will be handed a greater role in future matches. There is however a worrying situation with their front line as they have not really got into their stride yet. In the knockout phases, chances will be few and far in between, and if the strikers don't score, it will be tough going for Portugal...