Ricardo La Volpe believes the pressure is off for Mexico after they advanced into the last 16 of the World Cup.

He claims the side have carried that burden for years through qualifying and beyond.

La Volpe breathed a sigh of relief as they moved through to a last-16 clash with Argentina despite a 2-1 defeat by Portugal, Angola's draw with Iran confirming their progress.

He said: "We have been playing under pressure for three and a half years. On Saturday, though, we start at zero.

"There will be no advantage for us and that could suit us."

Mexico made it difficult for themselves at the Schalke Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

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

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

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

La Volpe said: "I think my team felt the strain and that's why we missed so many chances, including the penalty."

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. They will now face Holland.

Scolari said: "This match was important for two reasons.

"I left a number of players out to give them more recovery time.

"Those who came in did their job well and showed they are valued members of the squad.

"I liked the result best as it put us in an ideal position.

"Maybe we should have passed the ball around more but we made small mistakes which are sometimes common in Portugal."