LEIPZIG, Germany - Flavio is looking forward to the next World Cup.

The Angola striker, who scored his team's only goal in a 1-1 draw with Iran on Wednesday, replaced captain Fabrice Akwa in the 51st minute. He headed in a cross from Ze Kalanga nine minutes later for Angola's first World Cup goal in the team's debut appearance.

"We're going to work more, harder so that we can compete next time," Flavio said. "Of course, I'm already thinking about the World Cup in South Africa. We have to start thinking from now. We won't let this hope die."

The 26-year-old said being at the World Cup was "a spectacular experience" and credited his familiarity with Ze Kalanga for helping him get Angola's only goal in Germany.

"I'm in Egypt but I've already played with him at Petro de Luanda and this was just one more meeting between us," said Flavio, who plays for club Al-Ahly. "It's clear that the ball was coming and the only alternative I had was to head it that way. Thank God I scored a goal."

The draw gave Angola two points and third place in Group D behind Portugal and Mexico, who advanced to the second round.

Angola coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves was happy to earn a second straight draw, but said there was room for improvement in Flavio's play.

"Flavio didn't play well but he found inspiration and scored a goal," Goncalves said. "I'm proud of him."

Angola had been considered the weakest team in its group but improved its play throughout the tournament, first losing to Portugal 1-0 and then holding Mexico to a 0-0 draw.

In African qualifying, the Black Antelopes finished ahead of Nigeria to reach the tournament.

Flavio is now hoping his goal will attract attention from European clubs.

"In principle I have another three years in Egypt with Al-Ahly," Flavio said. "But of course I would like to play in Europe. I think that's the objective of every player in Africa, to represent the best teams in Europe. I'm no different."