However, the scoreline hides the fact that at first, it didn't look like it was going to be such a massive rout for the Portuguese. The North Koreans, who had played brilliantly against Brazil, gave it as good as they had for at least the first 20 minutes of the game. Again, they came into this game, very well organised at the back, very disciplined and stuck to a rigid shape. But, to their credit, they didn't just defend but actually set forward to attack. Against Brazil, they were very much in defensive mode until Maicon's goal from that weird angle flew in. This forced them to push on a bit in search of a goal, which they got.
But in this game, they started going forward and creating chances from the off. It was a clear change in tactics, and North Korea looked as though they could get a goal out of this if Portugal weren't careful. Portugal actually started off a bit tentatively but gained in composure and rhythm, and inevitably, as the North Koreans poured forward, they were left exposed at the back. Raul Meireles got the first goal in gushing rain, and it was a well deserved goal for him, despite the few North Korean chances at the other end. Raul Meireles was a constant threat to the North Korean defence, slipping in past them on several occasions and getting his shots away. He would have scored much earlier had it not been for the North Korean keeper, some last-minute defending, and the ball going wide a few times. He was really lively and patient too, knowing that one of his chances would surely go in, and it did on the half-hour mark after a great pass from Tiago. Before Meireles' goal, Ricardo Carvalho had the best Portuguese chance, just heading on to the post.
Unbelievably, the game went into half-time 1-0 with 6 goals coming in the second half. At half-time, North Korea would have felt that they still had some say in the game and if they could put away one of their chances, then we would have a real game on our hands. Unfortunately, this wasn't to be as Simao got the Portuguese's second goal, shortly after the match had resumed. The forward players for Portugal were really impressive in setting up the goals and creating the play - there was some fine build-up play between Almeida and Raul Meireles to get the second. The impressive Fabio Coentrao was provider for the third goal, scored by Almeida. Portugal were really playing as a team, and it was nice to see that they were not totally reliant on one man. That one man had been criticised for a lacklustre performance against the Ivory Coast, but by now his team were 3-0 up, he was enjoying himself, pulling out his party tricks and determined to get an international goal that had eluded him for two years. It seemed inevitable that it would come soon. But first, there was the matter of the other 3 goals.
By this time, North Korea had given up and simply self-destructed. They didn't know whether to keep on pushing and get a goal or two or whether to go into damage limitation mode. Well, they didn't do either, unfortunately for them. And, this gave Portugal the ascendancy - it was total domination by Carlos Quieroz's side who virtually secured their place in the next round because of their increasing goal difference. I felt really sorry for the North Koreans who looked totally out of their depth out there, and a world apart from the team that finished fourth in the last world cup. They just wanted to hear the sound of the final whistle, but they plugged away despite a humbling performance by the opposition.
With every Portuguese attack, I feared for the North Koreans, as it looked like another goal was about to be scored. And, this is exactly what happened. Once a team concedes a certain number of goals, you can see in the body language of the players, that they've basically rolled over and given up. This just made it easier for Portuguese who were not done yet. It seemed everyone in their team wanted a goal, none more so than their captain. There were 6 different scorers for Portugal, which says a lot I think. It was Ronaldo who assisted Tiago in getting his first, and Portugal's fourth of the night. That was 3 goals in 7 minutes.
As we entered the last 10 minutes of the game, there were a further 3 goals in 8 minutes. Substitute Liedson got the fifth, and finally, that man, Ronaldo got his goal. It was typical Ronaldo showboating, as he got the ball, skipped past a defender and controlled it beautifully as it fell on to the back of his neck and rolled down, before smashing it past the keeper. However, there was probably no better time for him to showboat, as his side were safely cruising and it was a really great goal.
Tiago got his second in the 89th minute, rounding off a thumping 7-0 victory sending the North Koreans crashing out of the competition. The superior goal difference means that Portugal have made it really tough for the Ivorians to compete for second place. The Ivory Coast are -2 down, and must therefore score 9 and concede none, and hope that Portugal don't score against Brazil to qualify. Now, that would be a true spectacle. They would of course, not need as many goals, if Brazil do them a favour. Somehow, I don't quite see Portugal relinquishing their second spot in Group G, after that resounding victory. It would also be extremely hard on the North Koreans, if the Ivory Coast do manage to get that many past them. So, it looks like another African team will be exiting the competition soon, and even if the places are virtually sealed, the Brazil-Portugal game looks to be one to watch!
Portugal have finally burst onto the scene, and how! Although, it must be remembered, that it wasn't exactly against the strongest of sides. I wonder, if the North Korean government will show this match in North Korea. The last match against Brazil was broadcasted some 16 or so hours after it had finished... somehow I don't think they will be too keen to show this one anytime soon...
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