BERLIN, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Portugal became the only shining team in Group D with an early qualification for the knockout stage of the World Cup, while debutantes Angola were out with big pride.

    In the last round, Portugal beat Mexico 2-1 with the absence of five regular players, including key scorers Pauleta, Deco and Critiano Ronaldo, to top the group with nine points.

    Mexico managed to finish second with four points, thanks to the failure of Angola, which would have cruised to the next stage on goal difference if they could gain more goals from Iran.

    The third-placed Angola collected two points after a 1-1 draw with Iran, who were also beaten 1-3 by Mexico and 0-2 by Portugal.

    Figo, the only one left of the Golden Generation at the World Cup, played a big role for the early qualification of Portugal.

    In the opening match against Angola, Figo helped forward Pauleta achieve his first goa. In the game with Iran, Figo sent a timely pass for midfielder Deco to score and created a penalty for the young Ronaldo.

    While Figo contributed a lot to Portugal's success, Angola took pride in substitute Flavio.

    Forward Flavio, player of Al Ahly in Egypt, scored the first goal in the World Cup history of his country.

    "I am very happy with my goal, the first at the World Cup. You know, it is difficult to make a goal at the event", said Flavio.

    Angola's "beautiful adventure" at the World Cup was over, but the team will return to southwest Africa more confident and with the respect of other teams.

    "Every player dreams of going to the World Cup and we had this chance", midfielder Andre said.

    "We came, we played and today people know Angola and our soccer better and I think this will help us. It's been a beautiful adventure", he said.

    But Mexico failed to show the world what a big team shall do as the other favorites.

    After a 3-1 impressive show against Iran, Mexico failed to keep their form, being held to a goalless draw with Angola and suffering a 1-2 loss against a second-string lineup of Portugal.

    Ali Daei must be very sad at his last World Cup experience as Iran didn't give a satisfying score sheet although widely considered as Asian football giant.

    In the knockout round, Portugal will face the Netherlands, and Mexico will meet Argentina. Enditem