Gelsenkirchen, Germany (My Sportsbook) - Portugal clinched the top spot in Group D after defeating 10-man Mexico, 2-1, Wednesday in Gelsenkirchen.

With the victory, Portugal faces Group C runner-up the Netherlands.

It is the first time since 1966 that Portugal has sealed a second round berth. Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad remained undefeated in the qualifying campaign and then went on to win all three of its group matches.

Despite its loss, Mexico still finished in second place and earned its fourth straight Round of 16 appearance. The Mexicans picked up a win in their opening match against Iran and a draw in their second with Angola. The team meets Group C winner Argentina in the next round.

Portugal managed to overcome Mexico without key players Deco, Costinha and Pauleta. Scolari rested the three midfielders, who were one yellow card shy of a suspension.

Maniche put Portugal on the scoreboard in just the sixth minute of the match as he fired Simao Sabrosa's square ball into the top corner from 18 yards. It was the former Chelsea midfielder's fifth goal in 30 international appearances.

Portugal then doubled its lead in the 24th minute as Mexico's Rafael Marquez made a costly mistake. The Barcelona defender conceded a penalty kick after handling the ball on Portugal's corner kick. Sabrosa stepped up to the line and put the ball out of Mexico goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez's reach.

At the half-hour mark, Mexico cut Portugal's lead to one as Jose Fonseca got a head on Omar Bravo's corner.

Mexico's perfect opportunity to grab the equalizer came in the second half as Portugal's Miguel had a hand ball in the box. Omar Bravo took the spot- kick, but powered the ball over Ricardo's net.

Mexico then suffered its second blow in the 60th minute as its squad was cut to 10. Midfielder Luis Perez received a second yellow card for diving and was ejected from the match.

Also in Group D action on Wednesday: Angola's chances at advancing into the Round of 16 fell short, as the team conceded its one goal lead to Iran late in the match to finish the tournament with a 1-1 draw.

The African team needed to win the game and match Mexico's goal differntial to seal a second round berth.