World Cup Team Checks: Angola
March 18, 2006
World Cup Qualifiers
Angola was the only team from the African Zone's fourth group to get a ticket to the World Cup, pushing a strong Nigerian team into the group's second spot. Angola's success in their sixth World Cup campaign can be put down to their home-pitch potency -- they won all their games at "La Cidadela" Stadium.
Stars
Team captain Fabrice Akwa is the Angolan man to watch. The former Benfica Lissabon player, who is now plying his trade in Qatar, was a near-guarantee for Angola's success in the qualification matches. When the pressure was on, Akwa scored his team's deciding goals.
Trainer
The Angolans aren't shy when it comes to honoring their national team coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, with some fervent fans calling for him to receive a contract for life. Even after failing to reach the African Cup of Nations quarter-finals, Goncalves still enjoys much popular support in the southwest African country.
World Cup History
The Angolans are making their first appearance in the World Cup finals.
Match Schedule: Preliminary Round
June 11: Angola - Portugal in Cologne
June 16: Mexico - Angola in Hanover
June 21: Iran - Angola in Leipzig
World Cup Base
The Angolan team will be staying in Lower Saxony's Celle during the World Cup.
Outlook
As World Cup rookies, getting out of the group round is the most Angola can realistically hope for -- and that alone would be a feat worth celebrating in the capital Luanda. Games against Mexico and Portugal put Goncalves' team against two top-notch sides, and the final match against Iran, another team with nothing to lose, should also prove difficult.