Portugal, alongside Netherlands, are one of the biggest nations yet to win the World Cup. However, there are many in North Korea who would debate that fact.
According to a recent story ran by Marca, many in the Asian nation believe Cristiano and Co. lifted the coveted title at Soccer City – not Spain.
Over a billion people watched Iniesta score the winning goal in extra time against Netherlands, but not the people of North Korea. The country's group stage exit in South Africa meant coverage of the tournament ended early.
Alvaro Leite, a flight attendant with TAP Portugal who visited the East Asian country, is the man who made this claim. Speaking to MARCA's Primera Plana, Leite claims to have come across this point courtesy of a guide who spoke English.
"Throughout our visit to Pyongyang we had the company of a guide who spoke English," he said.
"He told us that Cristiano Ronaldo is a true idol for many people and that football has a very high importance and popularity across the country."
Cristiano was part of the Portugal side that dismantled North Korea 7-0 in the group stage. So embarrassing was the defeat, the government went to drastic measures to save face.
"It was then that the idea formed in the country that Portugal had won, they were 4-0 up against North Korea when, due to embarrassment, the government regime cut the broadcast.”
"It was after the 60th minute, when Tiago scored, so no one in the country saw the other three goals of Portugal's 7-0 win."
North Korea used the star status of Cristiano and his team-mates to defend themselves, arguing that their defeat was acceptable because it came at the hands of the world’s best team and player. This gave rise to the belief that Portugal conquered all to win the World Cup.
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