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
No comments:
Post a Comment