I feel extremely proud of the team. And i actually think that we can beat Brazil next friday!
As for naturalized players, this is always going to be a tricky subject even knowing that several teams at this world cup have them! Personally i don't appreciate anyone referring to my country as Brazil B (Dunga's comment) It shows arrogance and a total lack of respect! But who knows in a not so distant future he may regret his words...
It may sound naive but i actually believe that we can win this thing...

Orlandomac, thanks for the kind words and always great insights. I believe we have a lot in common given if I am not mistaken you have some Acores (Faial) roots and when you mention Toronto Maple Leafs than we have some hockey interests (San Jose Sharks for me). In most cases we agree but I am not a big Simao fan and I didn't think Fabio C would mount to a good player -- I am happy to be wrong!

I do agree about your points on imigration and I wish some folks would stop the comments about Brazilian players (I am married to a Brazilian woman). Portugal has a good policy in place and I am for having players who adhere to the policy and love the country play for Portugal. Those who worry about Brazilians playing on the team --- Brazilians players are within their rights to play and find better Portuguese players if you are worried -- competition is healthy and you field the best team regardless.

As far as yesterday, we showed our class and punished a team that had confidence and was daring. Rember how dangerous they were in the 1st half. The second goal deflated NK and we did what you should do once an opponent is weakened which is to destroy them. We can celebrate today and start getting prepared for the next game. The NT is not a perfect product but showed some signs. This team is still limited and will have to play very tight in defense and capitilize on scoring opportunities in the knock out phase. I still think we go for first place and try to beat Brazil though I think it will be a tie. It would be easier to avoid Spain but not sure if Chile is up to beating Spain. Anyway, play to win and see how we match up in a knock out game. Knock out games can be brutal and cruel (ask England).

Regarding Brazil, this is not a great Brazil team but very industrial team with some flare. The only thing wrong with this Brazil team is the arrogance of Dunga ... I have learned to ignore him as he can be annoying. I have no problem with the team. Portugal can complete against this Brazil team.

Lets enjoy the World Cup ride and all the good banter and passion on this WW forum! This is sport and we are good fans who enjoy a healthy appreciation for our NT.

To: Orlandomac thanks for the kind words!

It was a great game and I hope that they bring that momentem to the Brazil game and start off strong.

Yes, some do start to banter about how pourly we played the first game or when Portugal does bad. But that's life. We would do the same to anyother team sport. You pick and choose the worse parts of the game and what should have happened. Everyone has an opinion and I am the first one to hears everyones opinion and will admit if I am wrong.

CQ if you are reading this! Keep the same line up and good luck my friend! Lets make some history and destroy Brazil! LOL

Caes I totally agree.. I believe some of these guys don't understand that Portugal has one of the heavier naturalization policy.. most other countries only have to be landed for 3 years.. Portugal makes them wait 6 years.. and it is mostly colonials that get naturalized to the squad.. although I know FIFA is looking at bringing in some Draconian measures to get around the traveling Brazilian's.

Hey I personally don't think Germany, Croatia, Japan, etc is right although I appreciate what is right for the Olympics should be good for FIFA even though what FIFA promotes is generally a xenophobic competition. A very successful one.. I might add. For some racists and I am not trying to imply that anyone here is, this competition allows them to promote their manifesto.

I personally think Portugal's policy of 6 years should be the standard as that way it cancels out the fly by nights.. and through attrition brings a whole new respect for those players looking to shine by dawning a national team jersey of any nation. If a player commits 6 or more years to a country they are not only a citizen of that nation, they should be commended for their dedication. I believe they are also appreciative because of the opportunity afforded to them through training and opportunities to advance.

The whole point to emmigration is to improve your lifestyle in a place of your choosing (that you love). I think in some ways choosing a country shows more respect to that nation than having the bloody cord cut in a geo location.

Now I live in Canada a wonderful hotbed of multi-culturalism and there is roads blocked when any team wins.. sometimes negative things happen because of the flag waving.. so it can breed hatred. I am sure these gentlemen have their reasons, that have little to do with racism.

Like the time an old Italian man through a brick through my car window nearly missing my kid sisters head, all because I was flying my adopted British flag during a World Cup match (used to live and work their by choice). Ran pretty fast a skipped 3 fences before I even got out of the car... because of that and many other reasons..

I am never happy in any tournament until Italy is out.. but I still have best friends, and ex girls that are Italian..

I personally think Carvalho's leadership today is what spearheaded the offensive juggernaut..

His quick two early attacks showed fierce determination similar in vein to his club mate John Terry and his timely Chelsea attacks.

Deco's quick giveaways and poor passing have really destabilized the team of late.. and today with Tiago & Meireles both playing more advanced their control through the middle made a huge difference. It was the key to the lavish victory. Their link-up play was intelligent, and as another poster suggested sublime.

It forced the defence to cover more than just the lone striker up front, it made our wing play piercing.

Those were some of the best goals ever scored in a Portugal jersey.. today.. pure art as Edgar stated.

It also goes a long way to prove that what most stated in the past was true. We have some of the greatest players at almost every position even the ones we didn't think were so hot proved most wrong today. What many called for CQ obliged today.

As for Raul reading PortuGoal, all I have to say is that he sucked today.. he should've scored 4 more.. and also if he could continue sucking all the way to the final.

On the subject of naturalization:
I don't think that being born in Brazil had anything to do with Deco getting over the hill (and falling on his mouth).. or Pepe injuring his leg when we needed him, or Bosingwa not gracing us with his poor defence, or Nani crying over a bruise, or Alves having Brazilian parents, or Rolando being a great cheerleader from Cabo Verde, or Danny losing his Vuvuzela in Venezuela, or Eusebio a naturalized Chop giving us the thumbs up. or in a manager from Mozambique finally getting the lineup right after years of trying and failing.

Also Armando you tell everyone to take a chill pill it is only one game, but then get on your soapbox to bash others after one game.

I personally don't think blind obedience or following blindly is good (Toronto Maple Leafs are proof of that). Every game is different requires support and constructive criticism, hand in hand with praise.

Games are played and passionate fans will be passionate.. mostly because they care.. and wish for greater things from the players they love to support.

The one thing I love about this site is the passionate fans from Fresh to Sup Gino to Joa to Orlando UK my nice twin to Ruby, Mattheiro, Joe NJ, Tony, Coffee, David, and even my nemesis PSousa (kidding).. these are passionate dudes that like to banter.. sometimes we use debate.. sometimes a metal chair is needed.

Today is not a day to bash them, it is a day to praise the team, fans, and country...!!

The passion is what we share.. glad you had a great day.. I hope you have many more along the way, because you deserve it Armando for your loyal support.

CQ today pulled the trigger on some good moves. Hats off!!

A few bad passes aside Miguel makes a difference out there.. his speed scares opponents and they retreat.. in the process they end up on the defensive end, after sitting out for a considerable amount of starts I think he was influential.. With Coentrao on the other end it allowed Meireles and Tiago to play much more advanced.. and spread out the opponents Defence.

Now personally I think we would've had the same result with a 4-4-2 and Danny subbing for Deco.. but hey it was a great move by CQ bringing on those new faces and it paid dividends in the end.

Like some have stated we have to be even keeled.. sure we beat a decent team in North Korea.. brutally.. but there is still much work to be done.

But let's just take a moment to appreciate the true art and grace on show today.. a day where all Portuguese including Eusebio were extremely proud. Where some extravagant goals were scored, and the teams abundant skill was on offer.

Cheers to you my friends.. this has all been well deserved for you the loyal passionate fans.

Forca Portugal!!

I TO HAVE SAID THIS MENNY TIMES , THEY NEED TO PLAY AS A TEAM .

The greatest performance I have ever seen from Portugal. I thought it would be a very hard fought 1-0 win, but god was I wrong. The amazing thing is that we could have scored 12 goals. We have had games where we could have scored 7 goals, but our finishing has always been terrible. Finally we were an efficient attacking team. Tiago, Meireles, and again Coentrao were fantastic and other than Mendes and Miguel, the team was excellent.

Pedro Mendes didn't put enough pressure on the koreans in the first half which led to some good shots outside the box and Miguel looked a little shaky, but with Pepe back we will most definitely be a world class team. Tiago was the key to our excellent midfield today. He added the energy and determination that Deco lacks and he showed that he is very creative as well.

I think that we should keep this squad, with the exception of Pepe for Mendes, against Brazil and in the knockout rounds. We will also have players like Danny and Liedson off the bench which gives us some depth.

Bring on Brazil and bring on the world!!!!!!!!!!!!

WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!

unbelieveble

In my opinion Portugal played better without any brazilians, we were in harmony with pure blood chops!

What a performance today and what a way to silence all the critics. A total team effort that was pure class. Queiroz was spot on with his players for this game and the seleccao showed just how dangerous they can be. Coentrao and Ronaldo on the same side is hopefully something we will see deep into this tournament and in the future. A greaT effort by all 11 and the subs came in and played their part as well. Our capitao was true vocal leader today and just complete domination once the flood gates were open. As Armando says we all got to be behind our boys always and Friday hopefully momentum continues when we beat the Brasilians

Forca Sempre Portugal!!!

I'm wondering if any of the players read by my commet on the previous blog about finally waking up and performing like they are capable of...may they did?? because this showed what we can do to do especially if queiroz picks the right team and tatics which he did today. Today Meireles was fantastic, Coentrao was just sublime, Almeida was a constant threat up front and Tiago and Ronaldo were exellent.

Our players will obviousley take great confidance from this result going in to the Brasil game. I hope we can beat Brasil and go on from there and then who knows??

Congrats to all the lads. What a phenomenal game.
Wow to Tiago, just WOW!!!!
I swear to God, I didn't think you had it in you... Fantastic game...

We all knew the team needed to score. The 1st half goal calmed nerves knowing the team needed victory at the very least. The 2nd half shows the class Portugal can put on display. Coentrao once again is showing quality on defence and a threat when he pushed forward.
Congratulations on the victory!
Bloor St, College St. and Dundas St. in Toronto are partying wiht this victory!
Looking forward to Friday's match with Brazil.
A match we all have been looking forward to since when the draw was made last December.
Forca Portugal!!!

Playing the wingbacks and no Deco/Liedson we show how hard to manage we can be. Hopefully we keep similar formation going forward.

No I think Fabio Coentrao is good where he is now ...LOL

North Korea or not, you can not have a better result!

It was nice to see Portugal able to score and score and score in an open game. With the record of shutouts, we know Portugal can win with defense, but we now see Portugal can score too.

If Tiago and Mendes continue to improve their play, Portugal can advance and advance.

I don't fault Liedson, but approve of the line-up change.
Simao provides more than Deco at this point.
The only worry spot is Right Back. Miguel was a bit sloppy.

All in all, a perfect day for Portugal!!!
Talk of the Cup!

hey friend of raul meireles.. u cant even spell his name! :D and from the way you spelled it i can tell that you cant pronounce it either.

I said it before and Ill say it again we are going to beat Brazil, the Ketchup is flowing .FORCA PORTUGAL

Simply fantastic. Also impressive is that the team held the clean sheet despite the match's complete breakdown in the second half.

Ronaldo had some good touches but still struggled with double-teaming...and didn't break out until it was "garbage time" in the match. But Tiago was a major game-changer. Meireles provided an awesome offensive lift. And Coentrão had yet another great match, and this time on the offensive end.

A very proud and determined performance. Now if only we don't have to wait another four World Cup matches until they score again!

Cheers to Portugal's defense for keeping a clean sheet.

Cheers to Ronaldo for playing like a captain and distributing the ball when it must have been so tempting to take a shot himself.

Cheers to Portugal for playing like a team and gaining a much needed boost of confidence and safe goal margin to advance.

Cheers for CR ending his goal drought (pass the ketchup!).

Viva Portugal!

I have never been more proud to be portuguese, what a great team and what a great country, watch out Brazil trouble is coming your way, this world cup is up for the taking.

Ketchup time for Portugal. Great team effort. We played like a team, using the wings laying off passes, accelerating on the last pass. Great performance and great for the comfort. The way we'll play againgst Brazil will depend now on the Switzerland score.

i honestly couldn't believe it. every time a goal went it, i was just speechless. it seems like portugal today found their beautiful form- hopefully we can hang onto that.

just amazing, i think us fans deserved that after all they put us through! just....brilliant, i can't describe how i'm feeling.

Portugal break their record!!!the most convincing victory in WC 2010...hope we can defeat brazil too...all of portugal players was so amazing....especially tiago,,thanks God finally ronaldo scored after two years,,he made it seven,,same with his initial name CR '7'..LOL

As great as the result was... it was North Korea. I know they held Brazil to 2-1 but it was still North Korea. The Blessing was the 7 goals. We are basically on to the next stage. With Costo do Marfim (Ivory Coast) needing 9 goals just to have 0 for or against in goals. The match we should be watching is Chile Swiss. Brazil may rest their starters and concede the loss to Portugal in order to face group winner Switzerland as runner up in our group to avoid Spain. Portugal if they were to win would win the Group of death and quite possibly face Spain as the runner up of that group. Intriguing stuff. Finally, yesterday and today produced world class soccer. I was a bit bored watching soccer minnows play 10 behind the line and wait for a miracle.

Portugal was all world today. Yes, I know it was North Korea but the confidence boost it supplied to show we can score and play beautiful football has put other countries on high alert.


Fabio Coentrao has been rock solid at left back. Good on Quieroz to suggesting the attacking midfielder to learn the LB position. He started playing there with Benfica this season and hasn't looked back.

Ronaldo looked great as a playmaker today as well, one his best and unselfish games.

Good solid match.

Forca Portugal!!!!!

Fantastic !

the way the beautiful game is supposed to be played.... if Almeida's goal isn't the goal of the tournament thus far i don't know which one is.... now let's go for top spot in the group....

u know what im impressed is ronaldo in second half of the game. he played more like a team player. he didnt play and show off his tricks. he passed more and helped the team win tremendously. he needs to play like that all the time not individual grab. i think ronaldo today will get great response from all fans.

BRAVO, BRAVO, BRAVO

Not much to say, all the talking was done on the field. Despite their showing vs. Brazil and even in the first half against us today, Korea is just not a big team we know that. With that being said, I see two takeways from today.

A) confidence and momentum. This is a game of momentum... getting it and keeping it. Get hot at the right time, and ride the wave as long as you can. We had a lot of players get a taste for putting the ball into the net. This is a big psychological factor, esp. for Almeida and of course Ronaldo.

B) the goal differential is now enourmous, we are basically 9 ahead of Ivory Coast. It would take a disaster of biblical proportions for us not to advance.

It will be interesting to see what strategies both Brasil and Portugal will put forth for the game later this week. I think a lot of it will depend on what Spain does today.

Geez. Its about time!!! Now all we have to do is draw against brazil or at least scores goals. The next game will be fun to watch cuz both teams wont have pressure. Forca Portugal!!!