A closer look at Angola.

March 30th, 2006 | by: Luis Paulo | Comments(6)

It might seem a little early, but as I was watching Mexico’s match yesterday, I thought it would be a good idea to take a closer look at Portugal’s opponents. So, let’s start from the beginning: Angola.

This will definitely be a historical match. It’s the first World Cup game for Angola. It’s against a country that colonized them in the past and finally, the qualification to Germany, against all odds, can already be considered heroic for the Palancas Negras, after all, their goalie doesn’t even play for a professional team. All this combined will probably make them everybody’s favorite.

This Angolan team has also qualified for the African Cup of Nations (ACN) after 8 years. However their appearance at this competition showed us that they have a lot to fix until the World Cup.

Goalkeeper

The Angolan goalkeeper, João Ricardo, doesn’t even play for a professional team. The veteran goalie who had played for some Portuguese teams in the past is now struggling to keep his best form training in local clubs.

Defense

Their defense is weak. Players like Lebo-Lebo, Jamba or Kali are still playing at the weak Angolan League and don’t have enough international experience to face Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo or Pauleta. However, the latest news that the Porto’s defender Pedro Emanuel together with Leed’s defender Rui Marques would be joined the team brought for the Palancas some hope.

Midfield

Angola will miss its most talented playmaker Gilberto who won’t be achieving the World Cup after an injury. Figueiredo has shown some quality game at the ACN but at the age of 33, the player who visited Angola for the first time 3 years ago lack some fitness. So their hopes rely on the experienced Akwa, the only player on the squad who was part of the group who play in ACN in 1998.

Offense

Here you can find some of Angolan’s biggest hopes. The Benfica’s forward Pedro Mantorras shares with Akwa the position of Angola’s main player. However, a recent knee surgery drove him out of the starters during the AFN. Angola’s coach Gonçalves gave Maurito and Flavio a chance, which drove Mantorras a little mad. However, Angola’s offensive power wasn’t enough to break throw Congo’s defense at the ACN which led Angola to an early ending at the competition.

Angola’s goal was already reached. According to their coach Gonçalves they intend to give the Angolans exhibition to be proud of, and he hopes that would be enough to show the world their players, hoping they get better contracts that would improve the quality of the Angolan game. However, this Angolan squad overcame so many obstacles to be at this World Cup the least you can expect from them is to fight with all its strength.

Here is a list of preview confrontations between Portugal and Angola

11/14/2001 – Portugal 5 x 1 Angola
03/29/1989 – Portugal 6 x 0 Angola