Sunday 24 October 2010

MCFC v Arsenal (1600 GMT)

25/10/2010 City of Manchester Stadium Att: 47393

Man City: Hart, Richards, Boyata, Kompany, Boateng, Silva, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Milner, Tevez.
Subs: Given, Bridge, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Balotelli.
Arsenal: Fabianski, Sagna, Djourou, Squillaci, Clichy, Nasri, Fabregas, Song, Denilson, Arshavin, Chamakh.
Subs: Szczesny, Koscielny, Rosicky, Walcott, Eboue, Gibbs, Bendtner.
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (Tyne & Wear)

I will be away for 8 weeks, doing some military stuffs (it's compulsory) and this will be last match post for me before I join Air Force.

City's ceremony prior to this match was wonderful thing to do for our legend Malcolm Allison, who past away last week. He was one of most successful manager for Manchester City and he won League Cup, FA Cup, Division One title and European Winners Cup. We will all miss him.

City started with Boyata due to Kolo's lengthy injury continues. Otherwise, it was full-strength squad for the Blues. After much needed rest, Carlito replaces hat-trick hero Adebayor and Yaya Toure came back with full fitness.

For Arsenal, Djourou kept his place in front of Koscielny. Otherwise, it was full-strength Arsenal team.

City could've scored in the first minute, when Tevez out-muscles Djourou to win the ball and cross it to Silva. Silva's clever flick, however, was well held by Fabianski.

Then the disaster struck. Boyata was sent off, as he tripped Chamakh just outside of the City penalty box and because he was the last man, Mark Clattenberg had no choice but send him off.

However, his sent off did not turn off City's attacking mentality. In 17th minute, City almost benefited from Arsenal defense's indecisiveness as Silva and Tevez wrestled with them. Tevez's eventual shot was too weak to challenge Fabianski but City looked more likely to score then the opponent.

Samir Nasri scores Arsenal's opening goal against Manchester City

Minutes later though, Arsenal found their way to score as Nasri and Arshavin pulled a beautiful 1-2 passes to break City's barrier. Barry's pace let him down, as he failed to track back Nasri. 0-1 Arsenal

It could've been 2-0 before the break, when Kompany unnecessarily fouled Fabregas in City's penalty box. Luckily, Hart was on form today and he was able to save Fabregas' penalty for City to stay alive.
0-1 HT

Bad news came during the second half. Yaya looked to have a knock and was forced to replace with Wayne Bridge during the interval. Ten minutes after the start of second half, Tevez looked to have a injury as well and this diminished City's overall quality on the field.

In the 66th minute, it was substitute Bridge made fatal error inside penalty box, which led to Arsenal's 2nd goal of the match. Excellent strike by Alex Song but it could've been dealt better by former England fullback.

City seemed ragged after the second goal and after series of goal scoring opportunity by Arsenal, they finally scored and it was Bendtner who finished off City's worst defeat of the season so far.

Overall, City looked okay even without Boyata but there were too much talents in the Arsenal squad to miss out the chance to win this game. Certainly 48 hours did not look enough for City players to prepare for this game, as they seemed very tired time to time. I just wish Tevez and Yaya's injury aren't too serious.

Monday 23 August 2010

City v Liverpool (2000 GMT)

24/08/2010 Venue: City of Manchester Stadium Att: 47,087

Starting Line up
Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Lescott, De Jong, Toure Yaya, Barry, Milner, Adam Johnson, Tevez. Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Wright-Phillips, Adebayor, Silva, Vieira, Jo.
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Carragher, Agger, Jovanovic, Gerrard, Lucas, Kuyt, Torres, Ngog. Subs: Jones, Aurelio, Pacheco, Kyrgiakos, Maxi, Babel, Poulsen.
Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffordshire)

It was many worries that City play against Liverpool, as they drew 5 times against them in 7 encounters. Especially after a poor performance against Spurs last weekend, I really did not expect today's comprehensive performance.

City, as starting line above shows, were without Balotelli, due to his foot injury and Kolarov and Boateng, who still to make his debut, missing due to ankle and foot injuries. Liverpool were unchanged, apart from Mascherano, who is speculated to move away from the Kops.

Match
It was the performance I never expected. Throughout the game, City were more creative and willing to get the ball. Right from the start, City dominated and, on 13th minutes, Gareth Barry scored after clever works from Adam Johnson and James Milner in the right wing, which made the goal possible.

Despite some efforts from Liverpool, they continued to struggle to dominate. After some tremendous midfield display from our 3 "defensive midfielders" Liverpool weren't able to challenge Joe Hart during the 1st half. Complete turnaround from Spurs match.

City continued to break in the second half and after absorbing Liverpool's possession, it was Tevez, who scored from the corner, which was initially headed towards the net by Micah Richards. 2-0 and it seemed Liverpool were done at City of Manchester Stadium.

Not quite though. After 2nd goal, Liverpool moved with more urgency and they almost found back of the net via their talisman Steven Gerrard, David N'gog and Fernando Torres but their shot put away by either the post or Hart's brilliance. City's defense held Liverpool at bay, whereas our attack came up once against through tip-toeing feet of Johnson, who earned the penalty via Skrtel's clumsiness. Tevez converted it and it was game over from that point. Sheikh Mansour. Did you enjoy that?


Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan and Khaldoon Al Mubarak - Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan makes Eastlands debut



Saturday 14 August 2010

Spurs v MCFC (1245 GMT)

14/08/2010 Venue: White Hart Lane Att: 35928

Starting Line up
Tottenham:
Gomes, Corluka, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Lennon, Modric, Huddlestone, Bale, Crouch, Defoe. Subs: Cudicini, Kaboul, Pavlyuchenko, Keane, Palacios, Giovani, Bassong.
Man City: Hart, Richards, Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Wright-Phillips, Toure Yaya, De Jong, Barry, Silva, Tevez. Subs: Given, Zabaleta, Adebayor, Adam Johnson, Lescott, Vieira, Jo.
Referee: Andre Marriner (W Midlands)

Joe Hart - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

Quite a crucial match for Manchester City at the start of season. It was just a few months ago that they were lost out in Champions League qualifying spots by Tottenham Hotspur. In the past seasons, City looked vulnerable against Spurs side in general and especially at away match, City were unable to beat Spurs since 2003.

As expected, there were three débutantes from City (Silva, Kolarov and Y. Toure) and it was only Jerome Boateng who missed the match due to injury. The most surprising inclusion in the starting line-up was Joe Hart, who had an excellent loan spell with Birmingham City. As poor form of Shay Given continued from January onwards, I guess Roberto Mancini had to give Hart a try. Two other things that which came a shock to me was three defensive midfielders and playing SWP instead of Adam Johnson.

Match

First half was completely dominated by Spurs and City was lucky to finish the half without conceding a single goal. After possessing the ball from the start of the match, Jermaine Defoe came close to score after receiving pass from Aaron Lennon but it was turned away by Hart and it was only the start of Hart's brilliance. Between 11th minute and 32th minute, Hart had to make six excellent saves to keep City in the game.

So what was wrong with City? Personally, Micah Richards was the villain, as he showed too much space to flying Gareth Bale. Also, squad as a whole did not do any pressing when Spurs were in possession throughout the first half.

Second half was slightly better and City should've scored in the opening minute when SWP had clear chance in front of keeper but he squandered it badly. After that, there were some glimpse of hopes on goals from either side (Roman Pavlyuchenko in particular) but none of them overcome Hart.

Arabian Job: Season 3


So here it is people. Just a few hours away from the kick off and I am sitting in my room, enjoying the sound of rainfall.

1245 kick off was never my favourite when I was in England because it meant I had to wake up 9 o'clock in the weekend to prepare myself for the match. But this does not bother me anymore, as I am in 8 hours ahead from England.

City finally got who they want and I am not sure what Mario will bring into the squad that is struggling to blend at the moment. Never doubt his ability though. Once everything settles, i.e. after transfer deadline and submitting 25 men squad list, I am sure he will show what he got.

Four players set to make a debut today (Kolarov, Silva, Boateng and Y.Toure) and they all expect to play pivotal role for the team. Especially, Kolarov and Boateng will strengthen City's poor full back position.

Expected line-up: Given, Boateng, K.Toure, Kompany, Kolarov, Y.Toure, Barry, Silva, Johnson, Tevez and Adebayor

P.S. It will be 400th appearances for Gareth Barry, if he makes appearance today. Many congratulation on his achievement.


Sunday 25 July 2010

Friendly Just Friendly...

Rant

Finally... My laptop is fixed and I just hope this thing can keep up until I start my National Service in Korea.

Seems nothing much happened when I was away for 2 weeks.... NOT! I certainly did not expect Joe Cole to move to Liverpool and I am still amazed Arsenal still did not let Cesc Fabregas go to his beloved club Barcelona (Well it is long away til the end of the summer transfer window).

So what about City? As usual, they have been the most active team in the Premier League, as they signed most players in the market so far and with a month to go, they are still linked with top prospects, such as Mario Balotelli or Fernando Torres or even Didier Drogba.Those rumours are still to be materialised but I'm sure there will be another big signing before the end of August.

Friendly against Sporting Lisbon

Well.... prior to this match, I didn't expect much from City players, as they didn't bring out their best option or new signings. What I found out after this match is that City's management team got a lot of work to do between now and the end of august, as they have so many fringe players to get rid of. I would not be surprised to see last night's team, apart from Patrick Vieira, Adam Johnson and Joe Hart, be sold to other club within a month time.

Manchester City 0 Sporting Lisbon 2

CITY: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott (Onuoha 46mins), Cunningham (Bridge 45); Ireland (Boyata 64), Vieira (Tchuimeni-Nimely 64), Zabaleta, A.Johnson, Jo (Tutte 74), Bellamy (Guidetti 74). Subs not used: Taylor.

LISBON: Ferreira, Carrico, Polga, Fabiano, Mendes (Santos 87), Ribeiro, Saleiro, Djalo, Postiga (Veloso 79), Pereira, Vukcevic (Valdes 74). Subs: Patricio, Sinama-Pongolle, Liedson, Coelho.

REFEREE: Kevin Stott (USA)

Goals: Sporting - Djalo (23mins and 39mins)

Bookings: Sporting - Carrico (43 mins)

Tuesday 22 June 2010

NGA v SKO (1930 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban Att: 61874


Starting Line up

Nigeria: Vincent Enyeama (Y); Chidi Odiah, Danny Shittu, Joseph Yobo (Echiejile, 46), Rabiu Afolabi, Kalu Uche, Dickson Etuhu, Yussuf Ayila (Y), Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Obinna, 70), Chinedu Obasi, Nwankwo Kanu (Martins, 57).

South Korea: Jung Sung-ryong; Cha Doo-ri, Lee Young-pyo, Cho Yong-hyung, Lee Jung-soo, Kim Jung-woo, Ki Sung-yong (Kim Jae-sung, 86), Park Ji-sung, Lee Chung-yong, Park Chu-young (Kim Dong-jin, 90+3), Yeom Ki-hun (Kim Nam-il, 63).

Referee: Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)


After getting smashed by Argentina, their manager Huh Jung-moo was under scrutiny playing Oh Beum-Seok over Cha Du-ri and they were correct to say so as most of Argentina's attack broke from right-flank. He changed it back to Cha prior to Nigeria match, acknowledging his performance was below par. Other than that change, he putted same side for this match


Nigeria were unlucky to face the exit. Having played well for half an hour against Greece, they fall apart after Sani Kaita stupidly sent off by being petulant. Defeat against Greece put them in difficult circumstance to qualify to next round but it seemed possible against defensively vulnerable Korean side.


Game started brightly from both side as they couldn't just rely on Argentina to beat Greece. Within first minute, South Korea had half-chance but Lee Chung-yong couldn't direct the ball towards the goal. Early chance gone begging.


Later on Nigeria took the charge in midfield and began to out-muscled them in the area. Eventually, their possession was paid off with goal on 12th minute, when Uche converts Odiah's fine cross. 1-0 Nigeria and pressure was on to South Korean side.


Nigeria continued to charge to get more goal in case of goal difference but their defensive lapse let them down yet against when they needlessly gave out free-kick, which was headed and kicked in by South Korean defender, Lee Jung-soo. 1-1 and all to play for in the second half.


Second half began exactly how Korean wanted it. They were awarded a free kick yet again, which was within right-foot of Park Chu-young's range. He curled it round the keeper. Enyeama wrong stepped and ball went in. Advantage South Korea.


But the lead didn't last long, when their veteran midfielder Kim Nam-il foolishly gave away a penalty by hacking Chinedu Obasi directly in front of referee's eye. It was moment for Yakubu to redeem himself, after missing a sitter just moments ago and he slotted in with ease.


Later on the match, it was all Nigeria as South Korea tried to lock the game down by playing 4-5-1 but they almost got caught out by Victor Obinna with fierce shot from range and Obafemi Martins with dangerous run into the box. Fortunately, none of them gone in and successfully went through to second round. FT: 2-2


Nigeria v South Korea

FRA v RSA (1500 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein Ref: Oscar Ruiz (COL) Att: 39415

Starting Line up
France: 1-Hugo Lloris; 2-Bacary Sagna, 5-William Gallas, 17-Sebastien Squillaci, 22-Gael Clichy; 18-Alou Diarra (Govou, 82), 19-Abou Diaby (Y), 8-Yoan Gourcuff (R), 7-Franck Ribery; 11-Andre-Pierre Gignac (Malouda, 46), 9-Djibril Cisse (Henry, 55).
South Africa: 1-Moeneeb Josephs; 5-Anele Ngcongoa (Gaxa, 55), 20-Bongani Khumalo, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 3-Tsepo Masilela, 6-MacBeth Sibaya, 23-Thanduyise Khuboni (Modise, 78), 10-Steven Pienaar, 8-Siphiwe Tshabalala, 9-Katlego Mphela, 17-Bernard Parker (Nomvethe, 68).


France were in total disarray prior to crunch game against South Africa. Anelka sent back to France, players on strike and rift between squad and French FA meant they weren't ready to play any sort of match, even it was the team that well below in FIFA ranking. South Africa, on the other hand, had their pride on stake, after losing against Uruguay and fired up to play against this dispirited side.

At the start of match, France were much more brighter side. With Yoann Gourcuff in correction position, they seemed to move ball rather well, considering not training before the match. But the deadlock broke, when French defence collapsed once again and it was Bongani Khumalo with header that put Bafana Bafana ahead. France's night then went bad to worse as Gourcuff was harshly sent off by using his arm. Replay showed no malice.

Minutes later, in came second goal. French defence was all over the place and Katlego Mphela benefited from it. 2-0 and it was Au Revoir to their twelve years of wonderful era of so-called Art Soccer. Franck Ribery had late chance to put one back before the interval but his shot was far too high. HT: 2-0

After knowing Mexico was losing against Uruguay, South Africa started the second half with more attack-minded and it almost got paid when Mphela found himself unmarked in French penalty box but his shot only hit top of bar. Since then, South Africa seemed to lose their concentration and introduction of Florent Malouda in the second half livened up France a bit and it was him who ended their dream of qualifying in 70th minute when he scored in front of empty net. Although South Africa continued to work hard to find another goal, in the end they lacked quality to find another one. Sad ending for the host nation. FT: 2-1

MEX v URU (1500 GMT)

22/06/2010 Venue: Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Rustenburg Ref: Viktor Kassai (HUN) Att: 33425

Starting Line up
Mexico: 1-Oscar Perez; 5-Ricardo Osorio, 15-Hector Moreno (Castro, 57 (Y)), 2-Francisco Rodriguez, 3-Carlos Salcido, 18-Andres Guardado (Barrera, 46), 4-Rafael Marquez, 6-Gerardo Torrado, 17-Giovani Dos Santos, 9-Guillermo Franco, 10-Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Hernandez, 63 (Y)).
Uruguay: 1-Fernando Muslera; 2-Diego Lugano, 6-Mauricio Victorino, 4-Jorge Fucile (Y), 16-Maximiliano Pereira, 15-Diego Perez, 17-Egidio Arevalo, 7-Edinson Cavani, 11-Alvaro Pereira (Scotti, 76), 9-Luis Suarez (A. Fernandez, 85), 10-Diego Forlan.

Having known draw will send both side through to the second round, I really could not careless about this match and considering how poor South Africa were against Uruguay, Mexican's qualification to next round seemed to be guaranteed, certainly starting 37 year-old veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco shows their attitude towards this match.

However, the match was quite entertaining as they played some thrilling attacking football. With Luis Suarez and Diego Forlan continuously threatened Mexican defence, Mexico also pressured Uruguayan defence with Andres Guardado and Giovani Dos Santos. The closest Mexican came to score was in 23rd minute when Guardado took a shot from 40 yard out. Unfortunately his effort only found top of bar and game went on with no in particular in possession. Just before the half time, however, Uruguay had their golden chance, when Edinson Cavani's cross found Luis Suarez in the box. No Mexican defenders marked him and Suarez's header found back of Mexican net. 1-0 and it was the end of the first half. HT: 0-1


Second half, Mexico became more urgent, as they heard the news of South Africa leading France by 2-0. However, Mexico were somewhat less organised than last match against France and with continuous misplacing pass and wrong shot-selection, they struggled to break Uruguayan defence. Even when the chance came to Francisco Rodriguez, his head couldn't direct the ball to their net. Fortunately, France scored in the second half and it meant Mexico didn't need to risk to attack and after meaningless contest, it was Uruguay that finished first in the group, avoiding probable Group B winner Argentina. FT: 0-1


Monday 21 June 2010

ESP v HON (1930 GMT)

21/06/2010 Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg Ref: Yuichi Nishimura (JPN) Att: 54386

Starting Line up
Spain: 1-Iker Casillas; 15-Sergio Ramos (Arbeloa, 76), 3-Gerard Pique, 5-Carles Puyol, 11-Joan Capdevila; 22-Jesus Navas, 14-Xabi Alonso, 8-Xavi (Fabregas, 65), 16-Sergio Busquets; 9-Fernando Torres (Mata, 70), 7-David Villa.
Honduras: 18-Noel Valladares; 23-Sergio Mendoza, 2-Osman Chavez, 3-Maynor Figueroa, 21-Emilio Izaguirre (Y); 19-Danilo Turcios (Y) (Nunez, 63), 8-Wilson Palacios, 20-Amado Guevara, 13-Roger Espinoza (Welcome, 45); 15-Walter Martinez; 11-David Suazo.(J, Palacios, 84)

Iker Casillas

It was a big shock to me when Spain lost against Switzerland last week. Well, not they lost the match but how they lost the match really surprised me. With no Torres inside the box, they tried stupidly tried crosses that wouldn't be headed by any Spanish player and when they realised that didn't work, they seemed to be no alternative plan. This is focused on one thing: was the last match just a blip? Or are they choking in a major tournament once again?

We all knew how game will be played before the kick off: Spain will dominate the possession and Honduras will aim counter attack. Question is whether Spain could benefit from majority of possession. When the first half started, however, they looked different from last game, as Spain had more purpose and desire on attack and their passes were much more meaningful and direct than before. Within seven minute, they could've broken the deadlock by Villa's long range effort. Although his effort only hit the bar, I could sense that goal will come eventually and it was 17th minute when Villa single-handedly score by dodging three Honduras defenders. 1-0 and game was well and truly over. Spain continued to dominate and with Torres and Villa constantly threatening, Honduras could not get a player up front and that's how the first half ended. HT: 1-0

Second half wasn't much different, as Spain continue to dominate in possession. Although Honduras tried to change the game by introducing George Welcome, they couldn't do any attacking with limited amount of possession. Spain yet again scored and it was Villa once again and this time, it was a curler from outside the Honduras penalty box. Later on, Villa could've hat-trick by scoring penalty, given by challenge on Jesus Navas, but he failed to convert it, failing to close the gap on Raul's goal scoring record of 44 goals. The match continued with Spanish Tika Taka and without any Honduras attacking threats, the game finished in disappointing manner. FT 2-0






CHI v SUI (1500 GMT)

21/06/2010 Venue: Nelson Mandela Stadium, Port Elizabeth Ref: Khalil Al Ghamdi (KSA) Att: 34872

Starting Line up
Chile: Claudio Bravo, Waldo Ponce (Y), Mauricio Isla, Carlos Carmona (Y), Alexis Sanchez, Arturo Vidal (Gonzalez, 46), Humberto Suazo (Y) (Valdivia, 46 (Y)), Matias Fernandez (Y) (Paredes, 64), Jean Beausejour, Gary Medel (Y), Gonzalo Jara.
Switzerland: Diego Benaglio; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stephane Grichting, Steve Von Bergen, Reto Ziegler; Valon Behrami (R), Gokhan Inler (Y), Benjamin Huggel, Gelson Fernandes (Bunjaku, 77); Alexander Frei (Barnetta, 42 (Y)), Blaise Nkufo (Y) (Derdiyok, 68).

With Chile's first win in 48 years at the World Cup the moral was high amongst their player. The win came from their developing youth talent such as Alexis Sanchez, who finished third in Under-20 World Cup in 2007. They face another surprising package, Switzerland, who beat the tournament favourite Spain in their first match. Both sides were in ascendency before this clash and I expected much great match from both sides.

Sadly, it wasn't so. While Chile continuously threatening both wing of Switzerland, they were waiting for their moment to counter. The match itself was exciting and end-to-end stuff. Problem was whistle-loving referee. From the very beginning of match, he lashed out cautions in numerous occasion, resulting four yellow cards and one red. But send off was fully justified, as Behrami slung his arm twice against opposition. After Behrami got sent off, match tilted towards Chile but after some half chances, they couldn't convert any of them into a goal. HT: 0-0


Trend of booking continued as players became more reckless on tackling and challenge. Apart from bookings, Chile actually put decent performance in second half. Sanchez and Valvidia with good chances in early second half made sure Switzerland to get pushed back. Eventually, their work was awarded, as head of Mark Gonzalez, with help of Valdivia's cross found back of Swiss net. Switzerland came close though in the last minute but Eren Derdiyok side-footed effort went wide - their only meaningful shot of match. Nine bookings and one sending off. Thanks ref! FT 1-0

POR v PRK (1230 GMT)

21/06/2010 Venue: Green Point Stadium, Cape Town Ref: Pablo Pozo (CHI) Att: 63644


Starting Line up

Portugal: Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Miguel Brito, Ricardo Carvalho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Mendes (Y), Hugo Almeida (Y) (Liedson, 77), Simao Sabrosa (Duda, 74), Raul Meireles (Veloso, 70), Tiago, Fabio Coentrao.

North Korea: Ri Myong-guk, Cha Jong-hyok (Nam Song-Chol, 75), Pak Nam-chol (K-I Kim, 58), Ri Kwang-chon, Ji Yun-nam, Hong Yong-jo (Y), Mun In-guk (Kim Yong-jun, 58), Pak Chol-jin (Y), Ri Jun-il, An Yong-hak, Jong Tae-se


This match looked so one-sided by just looking at the FIFA ranking. Portugal are in third in the ranking, whereas North Korea are sitting on 105th. But after their heroic first half against Brazil, they proved their odds wrong and made concern Portugal on their opponent, especially after their lacklustre performance against Ivory Coast.


Match started in high tempo, as North Korea seemed more attacking minded then last match against Brazil. However, it was Portugal, who threatened to score first. Little lapse of concentration in North Korea defence let Ricardo Carvalho for free header near 6 yard box, which only found the post. This didn't deter North Koreans to go forward though, as Cha Jong-hyok's thunderous drive from 30 yards scared Portuguese side momentarily. Unfortunately, North Korean defence didn't pay off, as moment of magic from Portugal broke well-drilled North Korean defence. Raul Meireles finish their move. Since first goal went in, North Korea seemed to lose their way to play the game and with not many chances falling for Portugal, first half came to end. HT: 1-0


Second half began with Portugal charging front. Tiago's shot inside first minute of second half was only a warning to incoming goals near future. They began to rip North Korean defence wide open from 53rd minute, they managed to score three goals within seven minutes, Simao, Almeida and Tiago the scorers. Blistering pace from Ronaldo sat Tiago's goal and almost scored for himself too but his shot only found top of the bar. North Korea tried to hit back after several substitutions. But this was no use as Portugal scored three more, without much effort put into it. Liedson, Ronaldo and Tiago were the scorers and special goal for Ronaldo as he ended his two years international goal drought. Deserved win by Portugal in the end. FT 7-0