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Saturday, 17 June 2006, 15:18 GMT 16:18 UK

Scolari glad to end 40-year wait

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was elated to secure Portugal's place in the second round of the World Cup for the first time in 40 years.

Goals from Deco and a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty resulted in a 2-0 win over Iran and Scolari said: "This is a historic moment for Portugal.

"It's the first time in 40 years they have come so far. We're elated.

"We still want to beat Mexico to ensure first place in the group," the Brazilian coach added.

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It was Portugal's second win in Group D following their 1-0 triumph over Angola in their opening fixture.

And Scolari added: "We played better than against Angola. We showed some of our skill."

Portugal last qualified for the second phase of a World Cup tournament in 1966, when Eusebio guided them to a third-place finish.

Related to this story:

Portugal 2-0 Iran (17 Jun 06 | World Cup 2006 )
Winning start satisfies Scolari (11 Jun 06 | Portugal )
Angola 0-1 Portugal (11 Jun 06 | World Cup 2006 )
Scolari agrees new Portugal deal (11 Jun 06 | Portugal )
Portugal team guide (22 May 06 | Portugal )
Pick your Portugal XI (31 May 06 | Squad selectors )
World Cup schedule (25 May 06 | Schedule )
Have your say on the World Cup (28 Apr 06 | )
BBC World Cup coverage (27 Apr 06 | BBC coverage )

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Official Portugal website
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