Portugal notch magnificent seven
Portugal notch magnificent seven
By
fijivillage.com
Tuesday 22/06/2010
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo ended his two year wait for an international goal as his side ripped North Korea apart 7-nil to secure their first win of this World Cup in style.
The two sides were only separated by a goal at half time, but Portugal produced a scintillating attacking display after the break to score six goals and spark their tournament into life, while ending North Korea's hopes of progressing.
Despite a lively start by North Korea, Portugal did not have to mount any sort of comeback to win this time, but they will savour the victory just the same, especially as their much improved goal difference makes them favourites to follow Brazil in qualifying from Group G.
With Brazil to play in their final group game, Ronaldo's side badly needed all three points and, from the start, they came forward with far more intent than during their opening draw with Ivory Coast.
Portugal will top the group by beating Brazil and even if they were to lose and Ivory Coast win it is likely the side would go through, owing to a much better goal difference.
In other games, Mark Gonzalez's late header was enough for Chile to overcome a stubborn defensive display from 10 man Switzerland and leave the South Americans on the verge of qualification for the last 16.
The former Liverpool winger rose to head home a cross with quarter of an hour remaining to reward Chile's persistence if not their prolific creativity.
In holding the South Americans beyond the 67 minute mark, Switzerland surpassed the record for the longest run without conceding a goal at the World Cup finals.
The result gives Chile their second successive victory following an opening 1-0 win over Honduras and leaves them top of Group H on six points ahead of a final game against Spain on Saturday.
Meanwhile in the game currently being played between Spain and Honduras. Spain leads 2-0.
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