Brazil qualified for the quarterfinals – 4: 1 against South Korea

Vinicius Junior (7), Neymar (13 / penalty kick), Richarlison (29) and Lucas Paqueta (36) scored the goals of the Celicao, who excelled in all respects, especially before the change of teams, and who deserved their goals. The reputation as a tournament favourite, was cemented. Baek Song Ho scored the consolation goal for the “Taeguk Warriors” team in the 76th minute. Immediately after the final whistle, South Korea’s president Paulo Bento announced his retirement.

The series of goals was opened by Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid striker succeeded after a cross from Rafinha with a well-thought-out shot. This was followed by Neymar’s impressive performance. Brazil’s superstar effortlessly slotted home a penalty to make it 2-0 on his return after recovering from an ankle injury. He now has seven World Cup goals and is just one behind Brazilian record holder Pele after his 76th international goal. Before the penalty kick Richarlison is fouled by Jung Woo Young.

The Brazilians 3-0 earned the title “particularly worth watching”. Richarlison headed the ball around Hwang In-beom and put it in for Marquinhos, who in turn used Thiago Silva. The captain played straight into Richarlison’s path and complemented the Tottenham striker in commanding fashion. At 4: 0, Vinicius Jr. hit Paqueta’s cross with a wide look, which the midfielder hit.

Just before the half-time whistle, South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seong-gyu blocked Paqueta and Richarlison, and the goalkeeper was also there to have the first Brazilian chance after Ravenha’s appeal (54). Before that, the Brazilian Alisson surpassed Son Heung-min’s best chance (47). In the first half, the Liverpool goalkeeper had to stretch only when former Salzburg player Hwang Hee-chan shot (17).

After changing teams, the game developed into an even better training session for Brazil. The five-time world champion let the ball and opponents run wild, saved energy and allowed himself to come on as a substitute for 39-year-old Dani Alves. There was no finishing effort, and Brazil became dangerous on just one occasion from Raphinha, which was thwarted by Kim Seung-gyu (62). On the other hand, Alisson kept his goal clean with a great save from Hwang Hee-chan’s shot (68).

Eight minutes later, the goalkeeper was beaten when a long-range shot by substitute Pike found its way into the goal. Still, there was no denying the Brazilians’ apparent success, even if the five-time world champions missed out on their highest World Cup victory since beating China 4-0 in the 2002 finals. After all, the “Selecao” equaled the record for the highest lead in a half. The first against Mexico in 1954.