North Korea were expected to be the whipping boys of Group G, thought to be one of the tougher pools in the World Cup, but it did not turn out that way in their first game as they fought hard in a 2-1 defeat by Brazil.

After Portugal drew with Ivory Coast in their maiden outing, goal difference could yet come into play, but Meireles believes that is a secondary concern.

The 27-year-old said on www.fpf.pt: "Goals at this point may be important, but our first priority is to win.

"It is our primary objective and we'll work for it, but if we can score more goals, it will be good "

Meireles expects North Korea to park the bus on Monday, but believes Portugal have the weapons to breach their defences.

He said: "We know the importance the game has for us.

"North Korea will play the same way (as against Brazil). We've been watching a bit of the game, we know that they're very strong defensively, with 10 players behind the ball.

"We are prepared, we will work to overcome this wall and win."