Portugal 7-0 North Korea – Raining goals for Portugal in Cape Town

Portugal have found goals hard to come by of late but a majestic second half attacking display, helped by a depleted North Korean defence saw Portugal establish themselves as contenders in South Africa. Portugal attacking flair and fluidity unnerved the Koreans early and despite showing the same resilience that frustrated Brazil, North Korea looked more likely to concede. Carvalho had the best of Portugal’s early chances in torrential weather conditions, but it was a slick ball from Tiago that unlocked the Korean defence, allowing Raul Meireles to thunder the ball into the net. North Korea were delighted to hear the half time whistle as it provided respite to Portugal’s relentless pressing.

After the interval, the weather conditions eased, but it was soon raining goals as Simao’s goal opened the floodgates for a huge Portugal win. A wonderfully crafted move included some excellent forward play from Almeida who was favoured to Liedson, and another incisive piece of play from Meireles gave Simao a chance to slot home. A third was to seal the game soon after as Fabio Coentrao marauded down the left to pick Almeida out with an inch perfect ball for him to nod home. Coentrao had been inventive all day, and Queiroz must be credited for his changes. Duda was in pole to start the tournament, but Coentrao has played at left back impressively throughout Benfica’s title season and fully deserves the chance. Replacing Liedson with Almeida also provided a further edge that Portugal lacked against Ivory Coast. Korea were staring humiliation in the face, as the defence that was so strong against Brazil seemingly crumbled. Ronaldo was soon seeing none of the close attention that he has so far and he gave Tiago a simple opportunity to give Portugal a fourth. Ronaldo hit the frame for the second consecutive game but an elusive first goal in two years continued to elude him. Liedson came off the bench and with his first touch showed his goalscoring prowess by powering in a Portuguese fifth.

Portugal’s breathtaking display was not only a sign of intent but it also virtually assured a place in the second round with a huge shift in goal difference now needed to eliminate them. Portugal showed no signs of easing up however and the world’s most expensive player was to continue the rout. A fortuitous and unintentional balancing act of the ball on his back helped him to then beat the goalkeeper before simply prodding the ball into the empty net. Momentum was to continue for the Portuguese as Tiago hit his second and Portugal’s seventh to complete of the fluent, ruthless and impressive displays of the tournament so far. Portugal will meet Brazil on Friday in a group decider, but with the destiny of Group H looking uncertain, second place could mean avoiding Spain.

Group G, North Korea, Portugal, World Cup 2010