Ricardo La Volpe expressed his relief as Mexico secured a place in the last 16 of the tournament.

They moved through despite a 2-1 defeat by Portugal as Angola could only manage a 1-1 draw against Iran.

Mexico coach La Volpe said: "We always knew this going to be a difficult group - everyone of the groups is difficult.

"But now we can plan for the weekend and look forward to the next challenge."

Mexico made it difficult for themselves at the Schalke Arena.

Jose Fonseca missed a clear chance after two minutes then Maniche and Simao Sabrosa's penalty put Portugal in the driving seat.

Fonseca made amends by pulling a goal back only for his team-mate Omar Bravo to miss a penalty.

And they were reduced to 10 men when Luis Perez was sent off for two yellow cards.

Mexico coach La Volpe said: "I think my team felt a lot of pressure and that's why we missed so many chances, including the penalty.

"Perhaps we will be more at ease when it comes around to our next game."

Portugal coach Luiz Filipe Scolari rested among others Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Pauleta as they were all on one yellow card.

But his side still managed to notch up their third straight victory and top the group.

Scolari said: "The players who came into the team showed that they are strong-minded and I am pleased about that.

"We have put a lot of points on the board and this is a winning side.

"The only disappointment is we took too many risks after they went a man down and that could have cost us."