see above. Not beyond realms of possibility. Portugal is a very good side, Iran is a weak side. And an African team has unexpectedly advance in every world cup since Cameroon made it to the quarters in 1998...
Possibility is one thing, realistic outcome entirely another.
I do not see Iran as a weak side.
They have some balance to their squad. And you need some offense to get to the next round. Portugal is not impressive so far and may be overrated (again).
Figo's exit could come sooner than later. I dont' want to see that as I've admired Portugal tremendously for a while, but Iran is the challenger here, not Angola.
Angola just won "their" World Cup with a draw today. I think that's the most they expect.
I hear you about African teams advancing in 1998 and 2002, but so far in this Cup they stink. Two draws and the rest losses.
Tunisia probably has the best chance of advancing, but I think Ukraine will come back and Spain should throttle them. A late draw against Saudi Arabia is not exactly proof of excellence.
Ivory Coast is done; Ghana is in too difficult a group; Angola is almost done; Togo can't decode on a coach -- it's a wreck for the Dark Continent.