Published Mon, Jun 21 10 07:57 PM
Cape Town, Jun 21 (PTI) The 19th FIFA World Cup saw its first real goal-fest with Portugal pummeling North Korea 7-0 in a rain-soaked Group G match to bolster their campaign and eliminate the Asian side here today. Raul Meireles (29th), Simao (53rd), Hugo Almeida (56th), Tiago (60th and 89th), Liedson (81st) and captain Cristiano Ronaldo (87th) found the target as Portugal pumped in as many as six goals in the second half at the Green Point Stadium in presence of their 1966 World Cup legend Eusebio. After today''s huge win, Portugal took themselves on the verge of a round of 16 berth with four points from two matches while North Korea were knocked out of the tournament after suffering their second defeat in as many matches. Even if Portugal lose their final group match to Brazil on June 25 and Ivory Coast -- on one point from two matches -- beat Korea the same day, they still have a big chance to make it to the knock-out stage as they now have a goal difference of plus seven as compared to minus two of the Didier Drogba-led side. Sparks were expected to fly as the two sides were meeting for the first time after that famous 1966 World Cup match in which Portugal made a remarkable fightback to beat North Korea 5-3 after 0-3 down, thanks to Eusebio''s exploits. Going into the match, North Korean striker Jong Tae Se had talked about a revenge to erase the 44-year-old memory but he had to eat his words as the Portuguese scored goals at will in the second session to run away with the biggest win of this World Cup. Star Portuguese winger Ronaldo, world''s most expensive player, was in his elements scoring his first goal of the tournament and two assists to his credit. Portugal had the first chance but Ricardo Carvalho''s header came back into play after crashing into the left upright. Four minutes later, it was the turn of North Korea to threaten opposition goal but Cha Jong Hyok''s 25-yard right-footer off a pass from Jong Tae-Se went just wide of keeper Eduardo''s left-hand post. The North Koreans, playing in their only second World Cup finals, had another go at the Portuguese goal in the 18th minute and Hong Yong-Jo smashed a right-foot shot from an angle inside the box and after Eduardo parries it away, Mun In-Guk can only head the rebound over. More PTI PDS AY
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