CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Portugal put on the most dominant performance of the World Cup, routing North Korea 7-0 on Monday and eliminating the Asian nation from the tournament.
Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago scored over an eight-minute span in the second half, after Raul Meireles’ 29th-minute goal gave Portugal the lead. Substitute Liedson added another in the 81st.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended his goalless streak the 87th minute, and Tiago added his second goal two minutes later. Ronaldo had not scored for his nation in a non-friendly match since the 2008 European Championship.
The win moves Portugal into second place in Group G with four points, two behind Brazil. The Ivory Coast has one point, and North Korea can’t advance in the tournament after two straight losses.
Chile 1, Switzerland 0.
PORT ELIZABETH, South Africa (AP) — Substitute Mark Gonzalez scored on a header in the 75th minute as Chile beat 10-man Switzerland to move closer to a spot in the final 16 at the World Cup.
Gonzalez headed home a pass from fellow sub Esteban Paredes, who had gotten around the staunch Swiss defense and crossed to Gonzalez at the back post. Gonzalez’s downward header beat goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.
Before Chile scored, Switzerland set a World Cup record in the 69th minute by going 551 minutes without allowing a goal, breaking the mark of 550 held by Italy at the 1986 and 1990 tournaments. Chile has won both its games in Group H.
Switzerland played a man down since the 31st minute when midfielder Valone Behrami was sent off with a straight red card for rough play.
The win gives Chile six points and first place in the group. Switzerland and Spain each have three, and Honduras is still stuck on zero.<
Spain 2, Honduras 0
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — David Villa scored two goals as Spain got its World Cup pursuit back on track with a 2-0 victory over Honduras on Monday.
Villa beat three defenders in the 17th minute before goalkeeper Noel Valladares got a touch to the Spain striker’s rising shot but not enough to keep it out.
Villa scored his 40th international goal in the 51st when his shot from the edge of the area deflected off a defender to go over Valladares. But Villa missed a penalty kick in the 62nd at Ellis Park, sending it wide right.
Spain has three points and can still win Group H with a victory over Chile, which earlier beat Switzerland 1-0 to lead with six points. Switzerland has three points and Honduras has zero.
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