Mexico still seeking spark of inspiration

HATTINGEN, Germany, June 22 (Reuters) Having limped through in uninspiring style, Mexico are determined to make the most of their place in the last 16 of the World Cup.

Yesterday's 2-1 defeat by Portugal was not enough to deny them second place in Group D after Angola failed to get the win they needed over Iran.

Having beaten Iran 3-1 in their opener and then drawn 0-0 with the African debutants, Mexico went through with four points.

Their reward is a game against Argentina in Leipzig on Saturday when they will have to find a very sudden improvement if they are to make the quarter-finals for the third time and the first away from home soil.

The players are under no illusions about the task ahead and the fact that they have hardly lit up the tournament to date, but they are determined to grasp the opportunity knowing that they are somewhat fortunate to have it.

''We have got to remain calm because the best part of the competition is about to begin,'' said striker Guillermo Franco.

''We have to be focused on the things yet to come.'' 'FRESH START' Jose Fonseca, scorer of Mexico's goal and man of the match against Portugal, was also looking forwards. ''It's a fresh start, every team starts from zero,'' he said. ''The important thing is what happens from now on.'' Zihna shrugged off criticism of the performances in the first round and said: ''We wanted to qualify, and that's what we have done -- now we should think only about the future.'' However, coach Ricardo La Volpe could not afford to be so blase about the limp performances to date.

''We had a penalty and didn't get it in. We have the forwards we need, we get to the opposing goalkeeper but we must put away our chances,'' he said.

''Today we didn't score enough. For the coach that is the most difficult thing to resolve.'' Omar Bravo's 57th-minute penalty miss was a shocker, as was a similarly wild shot when he was through on goal later in the game, one of several poor finishes by the Mexicans who battled on strongly after having Luis Perez sent off in the 61st minute.

La Volpe will be praying that leading striker Jared Borgetti recovers from a hamstring strain in time to face Argentina as without him they would appear to have little chance.

Captain Rafael Marquez, who gave away the penalty for Portugal's second goal with a stupid handball and was lucky to avoid a suspension after later being booked for a foul, summed up the squad's feelings.

''We've got a new opportunity and we should not miss it,'' he said.

REUTERS DH KP1659