World Cup Preview - Group D - Angola

Angola:

Coach: National hero Luis Oliveira Goncalves.

Game Schedule:
June 11 – Angola vs. Portugal (3 p.m. EST)
June 16 – Angola vs. Mexico (3 p.m.)
June 21 – Angola vs. Iran (10 a.m.)

Prospects: Angola is among four brand new African participants. They shocked the African footballing world by qualifying top of a tough group including Nigeria, edging them out on head-to-head record. As a former Portuguese colony until 1974, the country’s football is strongly influenced by their Iberian cousins and several key players play in Portugal. Unlike Portugal, though, Goncalves’s team seems to have forgone the midfield option and will likely pack their side with stolid defenders and speedy forwards. Expect a long-ball approach.

Big Media Story: An Angolan bank Banco Internacional de Credito has offered players $5,000 for each goal that they score.

Key Player: The veteran captain Fabrice Akwa, who anchors the Angolan defense and was named Angolan sportsman of the year in 2005.

Youngster to watch: 21 year old midfielder Loco.

Who Will Get the Goals: Benfica striker Pedro Mantorros. Like Wayne Rooney, he’s an injury worry for his country, but if he plays, he could be fun to watch.

Who Will Get the Cards: Hull City hardman Rui Marques.

Funniest Name: A forward named….Love. Yes, “Love.” I kid you not.

Prediction: Their schedule plays against them, having to wait until the third match to meet Iran, at which point they will likely have already been eliminated after two losses to Mexico and Portugal.

~Bob