Portugal's attack fired against North Korea as they hit seven goal

Seventh heaven

Portugal's attack fired against North Korea as they hit seven goal with strikes from Raul Meireles, Simao, Hugo Almeida, Liedson, Ronaldo and a Tiago double.

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Fabio Coentrao - The left-back was an impressive attacking outlet and his surging runs proved a constant menace. His pinpoint cross set up Hugo Almeida's goal and he also claimed an assist for Liedson and Tiago's goals. Combining well with Cristiano Ronaldo and Tiago, it was refreshing to see a full-back play with such freedom.

Portugal verdict: Increasingly dominant as the game went on, they grew in confidence with every goal scored, as the intense pre-match pressure subsided. North Korea were no walkovers and it was an impressive defensive performance from the Portuguese too. But it was in attack where Carlos Queiroz's side truly flourished, counter-attacking with speed and venom - they delivered a lesson in finishing.

North Korea verdict: Completely exposed on the counter-attack, the midfield was non-existent when asked to track back and defend. Out of the competition as all onlookers predicted before the tournament, it was a second-half collapse of epic proportions as the energy of the players ebbed away everytime the ball hit the back of the net.

Could do better: The North Korean players - It's not nice being embarassed on the world stage as the likes of Zaire and El Salvador can testify, but the organisation so prevalent against Brazil was nowhere to be seen. Must improve against the Ivory Coast if they are to reclaim any iota of pride.

Stat attack: It is only the second time Portugal have scored more than two goals in a match at the World Cup since 1966.