World Cup 2010, Portugal Vs. North Korea: Surprisingly Active First Half Sends Portugal Into Break Up 1-0

Portugal got on the board in the 29th minute through midfielder Raul Meireles and hold a 1-0 halftime lead over North Korea.

Meireles finished a Thiago set-up from eight yards out to give the Portuguese their first goal of the tournament, part of an active display in the first half from Portugal which saw them hold 59 percent of the possession and accumulate 12 shots.

Thiago is replacing Deco, Portugal’s normal creative presence in midfield, who is out with a hip injury. His pass slid 20 yards along the ground for a Meireles, whose run of equal distance saw the midfielder snake through the defense and on to the pass.

North Korea has had their moments countering into attack but have only been able to generate one shot on Eduardo, an 18th minute shot from Hong Yong-Jo from a sharp angle to the right of goal.