June 17, 2006
Talek Harris

FRANKFURT (AFP) – Portugal have qualified for the World Cup knock-out stages for the first time in 40 years with a 2-0 win over Iran.

Iran offered robust resistance for more than an hour before Brazilian-born Deco's unstoppable opener. Cristiano Ronaldo settled the matter with a penalty 10 minutes from the end on Saturday.

The win guarantees Portugal's progress from Group D, while Mexico and Angola are both in contention for the other qualification spot.

It is the first time Portugal has made it past the first round since 1966, when Eusebio inspired them to third place in England.

After some bad-tempered exchanges, Portugal's class told in the 63rd minute.

Cutting in from the left, captain Luis Figo laid off to Deco whose first-time shot sailed into the right corner, giving Iran's goalkeeper no chance.

Iran were not done and Vahid Hashemian's powerful header forced a smart stop from Ricardo.

But it was all over when captain Yahya Golmohammadi sent his opposite number Figo tumbling in the box, allowing Ronaldo to step up and bury his penalty in the top right-hand corner.

Portugal were mostly on the attack throughout the game, enjoying the best of the action in an ill-tempered first period when some heavy challenges brought protests from coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Portugal went close near half-time when Miguel's run and shot from an acute angle squirmed under goalkeeper Ebrahim Mirzapour and bounced across the face of goal.

Early on, Figo picked out Deco in the box but his fierce shot was palmed away. Figo also floated a free-kick to Maniche but his volley from distance was headed over by the Iranian defence.

The trick-filled Ronaldo enjoyed a busy first half, juggling the ball on the edge of the area at one point.

He skimmed the outside of the post and blazed one over but cut a frustrated figure at half-time after a series of decisions went Iran's way.

Iran's action was mainly restricted to set-pieces, although Javad Nekounam hit the post before being ruled offside.

Ronaldo continued to shine after the break, forcing a sharp save from Mirzapour at his near post.

Pauleta tried to meet a Nuno Valente cross with the outside of his right boot but the flick flew over.

At the other end, Iran came close when a long ball found Rasoul Khatibi in the area but his shot went across the face of the goal.

But Portugal's second goal broke Iranian resolve and, with centre-half Golmohammadi subbed off injured, they finished the match on the defensive.

Pauleta had a chance to increase his record goals tally in the final minutes but shot tamely, and Ronaldo had a goal ruled out for offside on the whistle.

Portugal beat Angola 1-0 in their opening game while Iran went down 3-1 to Mexico.

The Portuguese also appeared in the 1986 and 2002 tournaments but failed to get past the first round.

Portugal need only draw with Mexico on Wednesday to win the group.

Iran have now only won one World Cup match in three visits, a 2-1 win over the United States in 1998, but they have a chance to rectify that when they meet Angola on Wednesday.