PORTUGAL coach Carlos Queiroz issued a stark warning that his team will be “more ambitious” over the course of the World Cup after today’s 7-0 hammering of North Korea.

Queiroz’s men produced a performance of fluidity and flair to earn their first win of the World Cup in style.

After labouring in their opening Group G stalemate with the Ivory Coast, Portugal were under pressure to deliver against North Korea with a showdown against Brazil still to come.

They now head into that clash full of confidence after six goals in the second half made a serious statement to their rivals.

“It’s a feeling of great satisfaction for our players in the way they played, the attitude and perseverance with beautiful football and beautiful goals,” Queiroz said.

“I’d like to register my respect for the North Korea team. They leave with their heads held very high but sometimes we have to face these results.

“It is a great day for Portugal and Portuguese football, to score seven goals.

“We have to be more ambitious for the next phase.”

Raul Meireles scored in the first half before Simao Sabrosa, Hugo Almeida and Tiago hit one apiece within seven second-half minutes. Liedson and Cristiano Ronaldo got in on the act before Tiago grabbed his second in the dying minutes.

Portugal came into the match hoping to boost their goal difference with the Ivory Coast, which they emphatically got.