Portugal crushes North Korea to start World Cup schedule Monday

Portugal vs. North Korea, Chile vs. Switzerland, and Spain vs. Honduras on the World Cup schedule Monday, June 21.

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Oleg Popov/Reuters
Portugal's Hugo Almeida (R) celebrated after scoring a goal with teammate Simao Sabrosa during the 2010 World Cup Group G soccer match against North Korea at Green Point stadium in Cape Town June 21.

Portugal pounded North Korea 7-0, Chile is expected to beat Switzerland, and Honduras is looking to upset Spain during the World Cup schedule Monday.

MONDAY (June 21):

  • Portugal vs. North Korea, 1:30 pm (7:30 am EDT)
  • Chile vs. Switzerland, 4 pm (10 am EDT)
  • Spain vs. Honduras, 8:30 pm (2:30 pm EDT)

IN PICTURES: Top 10 goals of the first week

IN PICTURES: 10 World Cup players to watch

No. 3-ranked Portugal had a goalfest against No. 105-ranked North Korea. But it wasn't the worst loss in World Cup history. The Cup's largest-ever margin of victory is by nine goals, seen in 1954, 1974, and 1982.

No. 18-ranked Chile is expected to top No. 24-ranked Switzerland, according to FIFA's rankings. But Switzerland has turned into something of a dark horse after upsetting top-ranked Spain in their match last week.

And No. 2-ranked Spain is expected to beat No. 38-ranked Honduras. Spain needs the win to continue to the next round of the World Cup.

Check back with the Monitor for results.

On Sunday, Paraguay beat Slovakia (2-0), New Zealand tied Italy (1-1), and Brazil beat Ivory Coast (3-1). On Saturday, the Netherlands beat Japan (1-0), Denmark beat Cameroon (2-1), and Ghana tied Australia (1-1). On Friday, Serbia upset Germany (1-0), USA tied Slovenia (2-2), and England tied Algeria (0-0).

See all results and a schedule at FIFA.com.

Download a PDF of the World Cup schedule from FIFA, and this ESPN fact sheet on its month-long coverage of the World Cup. Live television coverage on ESPN and Univision begins a half-hour before each match. ESPN3 offers live streaming.

IN PICTURES: 10 World Cup players to watch

IN PICTURES: Top 10 goals of the first week

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