Not nearly as shocking as N. Korea's clean sheet at the half, or the late goal they scored to make it 2-1, was Martin Tyler's revelation that their supporters in the stadium were actually paid Chinese actors. McCoist's reference to a particularly dangerous cross in as a "hospital ball" is one I hadn't heard in a while, so kudos for that.

Portugal were pushed off the ball from the outset by the much more physically dominant Ivorians. The "Golden Generation" are clearly a little long in the tooth now, and seemed puny, submissive, and at a loss as to how to mount any kind of meaningful attack, other than Ronaldo's single, magnificent strike from distance that blasted off the frame of the goal. Germany 2006 was their best opportunity, but after losing to France 1-0 in the semi they looked like they couldn't wait to get on the next plane out in losing to the Germans 3-1.

The kiwi header to tie the game at the death is likely to live on in New Zealand footballing lore for generations. Don't fancy them to do much more as they go forward, but you never know. Interested to see how Honduras makes out tomorrow, and the Bafana, Bafana late game against Uruguay should answer some questions. Viva Espana!