Portugal leave Kim Jong feeling ill, Chile too hot for Switzerland and Spain take back the reins

Cristiano Ronaldo scored his first international goal in two years against North Korea.

There were more goals, red cards and penalty drama from the Rainbow Nation, as the World Cup reached half time, so to speak. If that’s unclear, I mean that we’re exactly halfway through the tournament and decided to deliver that news via some elaborate football-jargon.

First up was Portugal vs. North Korea, a game most people expected to be quite tight, particularly with Portugal’s inability to score in qualifying and the North Koreans’ steady, resolute display against Brazil previously. A tight game, however, it was not, as Portugal found the net seven times. Classy counter attacking from Ronaldo and co. was too much for the Koreans to deal with, particularly down the wings, and their eventful tournament is now over. This was, reportedly, the first ever game to be broadcast live in Korea D.P.R. Is it just me with a genuine concern for the safety of those players upon their return home, after that embarrassing performance?

Sandwiched between two Latin-European wins was a Latin-American win. Chile are an absolute joy to watch, and should have had about five goals. They always attack in numbers, and despite fair accusations of naivety on that front, are infinitely entertaining on the evidence of the first two games. I, for one, can’t wait to see them play Spain. A major talking point is undoubtedly the sending off of West Ham’s cheesy Europop midfielder Valon Behrami for an alleged raised elbow, heaven forbid.

Honduras were the latest side to book their plane journey home as their former colonial owners Spain ‘owned’ their proverbials in a 2-0 win, David Villa with both the goals. Villa’s first was undoubtedly the goal of the tournament so far, jinking in from the left to curl the Jubulani into the top corner. With skill such as that, it’s almost possible to forgive him for that silly Iberian goatee that looks like a black Dorito stuck on his chin. The Hondurans offered very little, and Spain had enough possession and chances to produce a cricket score, the aforementioned Villa missing a penalty. Normal service resumed for the Spaniards, but they still have work to do in the final game if they wish to progress.

Special mention should go to Georgie Welcome, the Honduran forward with undeniably the most pleasing name of the tournament. Imagine the money he saves on doormats: just pops his shirt on the floor when he gets home.

Add Comment

You must log in to submit a comment.