A packed house has turned out in Nuremberg to watch Mexico, one of the favorites in Group D, take on Iran.

Mexico's starting eleven
Sanchez, Salcido, Osorio, Marquez, Pineda, Mendez, Pardo, Torrado, Bravo, Franco, Borgetti

Iran's first team
Mirzapour, Kaebi, Rezaei, Golmohammadi, Nosrati, Mahdavikia, Nekonam, Karimi, Taymoorian, Daei, Hashemian

The referee is Roberto Rosetti from Italy.

41,000 fans have dressed in red, green and white - the national colors of BOTH teams.

1. min.
And the second match of the day begins - Iran have first possession.

3. min.
Mahdavikia fires an opening salvo wide well wide of Mexico's goal.

5. min.
Iran get off to the better start, winning most of the midfield battles.

8. min.
Borgetti seems lost at the front, as Mexico have yet to find their rhythm.

11. min.
Two major chances for Iran, but Hashemian fails to find the net.

13. min.
Free kick for Mexico from 30 meters, but Pardo fires it wide.

15. min.
Iran get their first corner, but Mexico clear.

18. min.
Torrado receives yellow after a very reckless challenge against Taymoorian.


21. min.
Mexico seem to have settled down. The game is now more balanced.

22. min.
First corner for Mexico, but Marquez heads over the bar.

24. min.
Bravo crosses on the counterattack, but Iran are able to clear.

25. min.
Mexico are looking more dangerous now, especially on set plays.

27. min.
GOOOAALLL! for Mexico


27. min.
Bravo directs the ball into the net after Franco heads on a Pardo free-kick. Mexico take a deserved 1-nil lead.

31. min.
Iran respond with a cross into Mexico's penalty area, but Marquez clears.

34. min.
Iran attack through the middle but without success.

35. min.
GOOOAAALLLL! Iran equalize!


35. min.
Golmohammadi slots home a Mahdavikia corner-kick to level things up. Mexico are punished for taking their foot off the gas pedal.

38. min.
Mexico free-kick from 30 meters, but Marquez hits only Iran's wall.

42. min.
Iran's goal seems to have given them a second wind, as they now have more ball possession.

45. min.
No added time. The 1-all score reflects a see-saw match. Iran had the better of the start and end of the first half, while Mexico controlled the middle phase.

46. min.
Mexico's Sinha and Perez come on for Franco and Torrado


46. min.
The second half is underway.

49. min.
Mexico look to be the slightly more aggressive side coming out of the dressing rooms.

51. min.
Fonseca replaces Borgetti
Top Mexican striker limps off the field.

53. min.
Corner-kick for Mexico, Iran are able to clear.

54. min.
Iran's Nekounam is booked.


56. min.
Mexico are taking control of the midfield, but can they finish without Borgetti?

59. min.
Sloppy passing dooms Iran's counterattacks.

62. min.
Iran swap Madanchi for Karimi


65. min.
Mexico are increasing pressure in front of Iran's goal but haven't tested keeper Mirzapour.

70. min.
Fouls galore in Nuremberg, but few successful combinations and no goal chances.

73. min.
Mexico continue to press but without the necessary inspiration or accuracy.

76. min.
GOOAAALLL! for Mexico


76. min.
Bravo with his second goal of the day after an assist by Sinha and a bad defensive mistake by Rezaei.

78. min.
Another one for Mexico.


78. min.
An unmarked Sinha heads home what should be the decider. Iran look dead on their feet.

83. min.
Mexico still have more ball possession. It's hard to imagine Iran coming back at this point.

85. min.
Mexico continue to attack.

87. min.
Iran squander a corner-kick. That could be their last gasp.

89. min.
Nuremberg's Frankenstadion echoes with chants of Ole, Ole, as the match draws to an end.

90. min.
Mexico win 3-1.
+2: That's it. Mexico rack up victory with a little help from their opponents. Iran looked good in the first half but faded badly in the second. Bravo's second goal sealed their fate.