6/16/2006
BRIAN TRUSDELL, Associated Press

HANOVER, Germany (AP) — Angola catches on to this World Cup thing fast.

Goalkeeper Joao Ricardo frustrated Mexico with a some dramatic saves and the Black Antelopes, down to 10 men for the final 11 minutes, drew 0-0 with the heavily favored Mexicans on Friday night to keep alive hopes of a second-round berth at the World Cup.

Five days after an opening 1-0 loss to former colonial ruler Portugal, World Cup newcomer Angola frustrated the Mexicans with desperate defending. They also had a few moments of their own offensively to earn a point.

The draw also postponed Mexico's celebrations, preventing it from moving to the verge of the round of 16 with a second victory in Group D. The result left Mexico atop the group with four points. Portugal plays Iran on Saturday in the other group game.

Ricardo's most desperate effort came in the 57th minute, racing off his line and leaping to thwart Guillermo Franco's attempt to chip over him from just inside the penalty area. Second-half substitute Jesus Arellano put the rebound back on goal, but Jamba cleared the ball off the line.

Ricardo also made a dive to his right to block Rafael Marquez's blistering shot in the final minutes.

Mexico, without striker Jared Borgetti, who was injured in a 3-1 victory over Iran, used midfielder Zinha as a replacement. But a visibly agitated coach Ricardo Volpe abandoned that plan in the 53rd minute, replacing him with Arellano as a third striker.

Ricardo also thwarted Franco with a minute remaining in the first half, but was anything but perfect. Twice he dropped balls in the first half, including one on Marquez's cross that Jamba had to clear.

Mexico was supported by what seemed to be double its fan contingent from the first game, filling most of Hamburg's 43,200 capacity stadium to the point. The fans drowned out the recorded music for the Mexican national anthem.

Taking advantage of the atmosphere, Mexico dominated the first 20 minutes, forcing Angola to foul to thwart attacks. Its best efforts included Carlos Salcido's shot from 30 yards that landed in the top netting, and Marquez's free kick from 35 yards that deflected off the wall and onto the right post.

But after Angola weathered the initial surge, the Black Antelopes began to gain some possession and force Mexico to defend. It was mostly limited to long-range efforts, but it kept the ball out of Angola's end.

Andre was ejected in the 79th minute with a second yellow card for a handball, the Black Antelopes concentrated on blocking the Mexicans.

Angola's few thousand red-clad supporters in the southwest corner of the stadium became more vocal as the game wore on, interrupted only by occasional moments of "Yes we can" from the Mexican fans.