Meireles 29

                                                                                                              Simao 53                           

                                                                                                          Almeida 56

                                                                                                           Liedson 81

                                                                                                          Ronaldo 87

Portugal produced a stunning second-half display to rout the North Koreans and take a huge step towards qualification for the knock-out stages.

Despite having to face Group G leaders and perennial tournament favourites Brazil in their last game, Portugal’s goal difference advantage over challengers Ivory Coast is nine, making their six-goal second-half spree almost worth an extra point.

Raul Meireles’s right-foot shot gave Portugal a narrow half-time lead. But three goals in seven early second-half minutes sealed victory.

Simao Sabrosa nutmegged North Korea keeper Ri Myong-Guk, Hugo Almeida headed home Fabio Coentrao’s cross and Tiago side-footed Portugal’s fourth from the edge of the area.

And three more goals in eight late second-half minutes completed the rout.

Substitute Liedson hammered home number five with his first touch. Cristiano Ronaldo latched on to a defensive error to get the goal he deserved. And Tiago headed home his second goal from Miguel Veloso’s cross.