Mexican fans celebrate Mexico's goal against Iran while watching a World Cup Group D soccer match on a giant screen in Mexico City's Zocalo main square June 11, 2006. [Reuters]

Fans linked arms near the city's Independence Monument and chanted "Angola's next! We're going to beat them," referring to Mexico's next match against Angola _ followed by Portugal.

President Vicente Fox said the victory "wasn't easy."

"Iran put up good resistance, but with perseverance, with a desire to win, with the physical force they (Mexico) showed, they held up well in the second half and scored those goals," Fox said.

Playing on the name of Mexico forward Omar Bravo _ who scored two of Mexico's three goals _ Fox said "Bravo for Bravo, Bravo for Bravo."

Car horns tooted a five-beat victory signal, as youths leaned from the windows of passing vehicles waving Mexican flags.

"They were a little hesitant at first, but then they hit their stride," said Alejandro Herrera, 34, who turned out with his daughter Marlene, 2, on his shoulders to celebrate.

"I think things are going well for Lavolpe," Herrera said, referring to national coach Ricardo Lavolpe.

For some, however, the victory could have been sweeter; many Mexicans still regret Lavolpe didn't pick America forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco for the national team.

"With Rafa Marquez's passing and Cuauhtemoc, it would have been great," said Abelardo Barreto, 38, who turned out for the celebrations wearing an enormous foam hat adorned with the national flag.

But Sunday's victory boosted Mexicans' confidence in their team, which lost 1-0 to France in a May 27 friendly.

"If we beat Iran, we can beat Angola," Barreto said. "Portugal is going to be the tough one."