Portugal left absolutely no doubt about their quality with a 7–0 thrashing of North Korea on Monday in rainy Capetown. The win represents the largest margin of victory so far at the 2010 World Cup. It also represents Portugal’s biggest ever World Cup win and North Korea’s worst ever World Cup loss.
The Portuguese, ranked No. 3 in the world, played delightful soccer and were simply too good for a demoralized North Korean defense. North Korea is the lowest ranked team in the World Cup finals at No. 105.
Portugal brought Hugo Almeida into the starting lineup in place of the smaller Liedson. After a slow start, Portugal, without playmaker Deco, got on the board just before the half-hour mark when Tiago threaded a beautiful pass to Raul Meireles who beat Ri Myong-Guk in the North Korean goal.
The game was blown open just after halftime when Portugal scored three goals in a devastating seven-minute time span courtesy of Simao, Hugo Almeida, and Tiago. The North Korean defense had no answer for the passing and movement of the Portuguese midfielders and forwards.
Portugal finished off the game with a flourish. They added another three goals, this time in an eight-minute span. Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the score sheet, scoring Portugal’s sixth goal. By this time, one had to feel sorry for North Korea, who had completely fallen apart defensively.
In Group G, Portugal is now in a good position to qualify for the next round. Brazil has already qualified with six points from two games. Second place will either go to Portugal (four points) or Ivory Coast (one point) but now, Portugal’s goal differential is nine better than Ivory Coast’s.
Portugal faces Brazil in one of the most highly anticipated group stage games on Friday. First place in Group G is up for grabs in this game.
The Portuguese, ranked No. 3 in the world, played delightful soccer and were simply too good for a demoralized North Korean defense. North Korea is the lowest ranked team in the World Cup finals at No. 105.
Portugal brought Hugo Almeida into the starting lineup in place of the smaller Liedson. After a slow start, Portugal, without playmaker Deco, got on the board just before the half-hour mark when Tiago threaded a beautiful pass to Raul Meireles who beat Ri Myong-Guk in the North Korean goal.
The game was blown open just after halftime when Portugal scored three goals in a devastating seven-minute time span courtesy of Simao, Hugo Almeida, and Tiago. The North Korean defense had no answer for the passing and movement of the Portuguese midfielders and forwards.
Portugal finished off the game with a flourish. They added another three goals, this time in an eight-minute span. Cristiano Ronaldo finally got on the score sheet, scoring Portugal’s sixth goal. By this time, one had to feel sorry for North Korea, who had completely fallen apart defensively.
In Group G, Portugal is now in a good position to qualify for the next round. Brazil has already qualified with six points from two games. Second place will either go to Portugal (four points) or Ivory Coast (one point) but now, Portugal’s goal differential is nine better than Ivory Coast’s.
Portugal faces Brazil in one of the most highly anticipated group stage games on Friday. First place in Group G is up for grabs in this game.
