Portugal 7 North Korea 0: Magnificent seven helps Portugal lay down marker to Brazilians

Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz issued a stark warning that his team will be "more ambitious" over the course of the World Cup after yesterday's hammering of North Korea.

Queiroz's men produced a performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win of the World Cup in style.

After labouring in their opening stalemate with the Ivory Coast, Portugal were under pressure to deliver against North Korea with a showdown against already qualified Brazil still to come.

They head into that encounter full of confidence after six goals in the second half made a serious statement to their rivals.

"It's a feeling of great satisfaction for our players in the way they played, the attitude and perseverance with beautiful football and beautiful goals," said Queiroz.

"I'd like to register my respect for the North Korea team. They leave with their heads held very high but sometimes we have to face these results.

"It is a great day for Portugal and Portuguese football, to score seven goals.

"We have to be more ambitious for the next phase."

Raul Meireles scored in the first half before Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago hit one apiece within seven second-half minutes. Liedson scored before putting through Cristiano Ronaldo to round the goalkeeper and slot home his first of the tournament. Tiago headed home his second to complete the rout in the 89th minute.

Portugal went into the match hoping to boost their goal difference with the Ivory Coast, their main rivals to join Brazil in the next round, still to play North Korea ,who were excellent in their 2-1 defeat by Brazil in the first game.

North Korea coach Kim Jong-hun was quick to shoulder the blame. "Tactically speaking, we fell apart and we didn't block their attacks," he said.

"As a coach, it was my fault for not playing the right strategy and that is why we conceded a lot of goals.

"Portugal became more aggressive as the game continued and it was our desire and wish to equalise that led to the collapse. The attack and defence was not balanced well."