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Summary
A merciless Portugal tore North Korea to shreds in a 7-0 rout on Monday, putting them within reach of the knockout rounds and eliminating the Asian nation from the World Cup. With Brazil already qualified from Group G, Portugal now have four points to Ivory Coast's one, leaving Didier Drogba's team with only an outside chance of making the round of 16. North Korea have lost both their games and will head home after their last match against the Africans. A Raul Meireles strike put Portugal in front with the Porto midfielder pouncing in the 29th minute. But it wasn't all one-way traffic, with North Korea creating their own chances as they powered forward on the counter-attack. The game changed though with three quick second-half goals from Simao, Hugo Almeida and Tiago that left North Korea shellshocked before substitute Liedson banged in the fifth. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo got the sixth, ending his two-year international goal drought, before Tiago made it seven. North Korean coach Kim Jong Hun took responsibility for their collapse. In another match, Chile continued their dream World Cup run with a 1-0 defeat of 10-man Switzerland today to move within touching distance of the last 16. The South Americans climbed to the top of Group H after second half substitute Mark Gonzalez finally broke down a steely Swiss defence in the 75th minute. Chile, who had beaten Honduras 1-0 last week, will be assured qualification if Monday's late game between Spain and Honduras ends in a draw. Switzerland, stunning 1-0 winners over favourites Spain in their first match, were up against it after going a man down on 30 minutes when Valon Behrami was sent off. The West Ham midfielder was given his marching orders by Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al Ghamdi for a tangle with Arturo Vidal after he appeared to elbow the Bayer Leverkusen player in the face. Chile, who had impressed with their attacking passion in their opening 1-0 win over Honduras, had the first shot on target when Italy-based Carlos Carmona fired in from 20m, the ball safely scooped up by Swiss keeper Diego Benaglio.
