U-20 FIFA World Cup: Hungary dispatch North Korea

Hungary's Bence Mervo scores one of his three goals in his side's win over North Korea in their U-20 FIFA World Cup clash in New Plymouth. Photo / Getty Images

Hungary have thrashed North Korea 5-1 in the second Group E game at the Under-20 World Cup today.

It capped an amazing afternoon in New Plymouth, after Brazil and Hungary had earlier produced a six goal thriller.

Hungarian striker Bence Mervo was the hero for the Europeans with a clinical hat trick, though North Korean goal keeper Cha Jong Hun had a forgettable game.

He was exposed badly for at least two of the goals, also he was not helped by a hestiant defence. Overall the Hungarians were too big, too strong and too fast against a surprisingly disorganised North Korean side.

Hungary led 2-1 at halftime but the second half was a one sided affair as the Europeans scored three without reply, and could have had a few more.

The result turns Group E into a three horse race, with Brazil facing Hungary on Thursday and Nigeria against North Korea.

Mervo opened the scoring with a near post header in the 17th minute, after the North Korean defenders seemed to switch off. Choe Ju Song got a well worked equaliser in the 32 minute but that was as close as the Asian side got, as Zsolt Kalmar restored the Hungarian advantage a minute later.

The powerful Mervo added his second just after halftime, followed ten minutes later by compatriot David Forgács. North Korea never stopped trying but conceded a fifth in the 82nd minute, with Mervo scoring from an impossibly acute angle after a improbable dribble along the by-line.

Hungary 5 (B Mervó 17, 49, 82, Z Kalmár 33, D Forgács 60)

North Korea 1 (C Ju Song 32)

Halftime: 2-1