Angola shirt worn by Antonio Mendonca in the 2006 FIFA World Cup group stage opener against Portugal (0:1). The World Cup Finals in Germany is the greatest accomplishment in the football history of Angola, their only World Cup to date. Palancas Negras was destined to play their first game at the Mundial against Portugal whose former colony they are. There was evidently a friendly environment in and around the stadium during this match because of the links and friendship between the two countries. Angola drew 0:0 in their second game with Mexico, and still had a chance of qualifying for the second round had they beaten Iran in their final group game, but the match finished 1:1 after goals by Flávio and Sohrab Bakhtiarizadeh. Angola were eliminated from the tournament only losing one game. The winger Antonio Mendonca played full 90 minutes in all three matches at the World Cup. He spent most of his career playing in Portugal with Varzim (200 games) and Belenenses. He earned 54 caps for his country in the period 1999 - 2009, scoring 6 goals.