Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a strong first-half performance helped them win 4-1 against South Korea on Monday night.
Tite’s side were boosted by the return of Neymar – who picked up an ankle injury in the win over Serbia – and the 30-year-old announced his return with a penalty that took him one goal behind Pele’s record of 77 (13). which doubled Brazil’s lead after Vinicius Junior’s cool opener (7).
Richarlison scored his third goal of the game in the win
Richarlison then scored his third goal of the competition after a superb build-up (29) and it was 4-0 before the break when West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta headed in a shot to level the score (36).
But with the work already done during the break, the energy decreased afterwards. As a result, South Korea did not let their heads drop and had a brief moment to celebrate when Seung-Ho Paik reduced the deficit with a powerful strike (76).
Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t enough to inspire a comeback from Paulo Bento’s side, who went out after landing the first knock since 2010.
Meanwhile, Brazil will progress to the last eight of the tournament, with a clash with Croatia scheduled for Friday afternoon.
How Brazil qualified for the quarterfinals
As the final match at Stadium 974 got under way, the high pitch of the opening game indicated that this could be a contest. Within 15 minutes, it became clear that this would not be the case.
Brazil were soon on the scoresheet as Raphinha rose powerfully on the left side of the box and sent the ball slowly past the crowd to Vinicius Junior, who took one touch to control the ball and stroke it home. and his deputy.
And it was two not long after that when Neymar successfully dispatched a penalty to go close to making history after Richarlison was caught by Woo-Young Jung.
Vinicius Junior of Brazil celebrates scoring his first goal of the match
A huge back-and-forth saw South Korea grow fearlessly, Alisson making a solid save to push away Hee-Chan Hwang’s stunning effort from 25 yards. Immediately, chances began to emerge from the back, which were later punished.
Brazil’s third-place finish saw the best in South America which will no doubt ensure they are among the tournament’s top goalscorers. Richarlison curled the ball in with his head and finished well after a great exchange between Thiago Silva and Casemiro. If that didn’t end the Korean hopes, Paqueta certainly did when he headed Vinicius Junior home.
Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta celebrates after scoring his fourth goal
Tite’s men tried to extend their unassailable lead after the break, but a strike from striker Seung-Gyu Kim prevented them from extending their advantage – and their opponents managed to pull off a late winner, after substituting. Seung-Ho Paik headed in a consolation from 25 yards after a corner was headed into his path.
Seung-Ho Paik celebrates after scoring against South Korea
But this was Brazil’s night and they are the closest to glory after their success in Doha.
Player of the game – Vinicius Junior
The 22-year-old Real Madrid striker was one of the standout performers in Brazil’s side’s defeat, so it was perhaps no surprise that he would play a key role as Tite’s men turned the tables in style.
Vinicius Junior showed composure as he held on and slotted his shot into the net under pressure and the assist he took came from a smart moment too, with his well-timed cross from Lucas Paqueta.
Brazil’s path to the finals of the World Cup…
Quarter-finals – Friday December 9
Croatia vs Brazil – Start at 3pm
Semi-finals – Tuesday December 13
Netherlands or Argentina vs Croatia or Brazil – Start at 7pm
Brazil shows your preferences – Opta statistics
- Brazil scored four goals in a knockout match at the World Cup for the first time since 1998 (4-1 vs Chile), scoring more goals in the first 36 minutes of the match (4) than they did in their three group games. integrated games (3).
- Korea Republic are winless in their seven World Cup matches against South American sides (D2 L5) – only Scotland (8) have faced such nations more times without winning the tournament.
- Neymar became only the third Brazilian to participate in at least three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), along with Pelé (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970) and Ronaldo (1998, 2002, 2006).
- Brazil took a 3-0 lead after just 29 minutes, the first to take a three-goal lead in a single World Cup game. In the end, it was only the second time he had scored four goals in the first half of a World Cup match, also against Mexico in 1954.
What does the result mean?
Brazil now advance to the quarter-finals of the World Cup, where they will face Croatia in the semi-finals on Friday.
Kick-off at the Education City Stadium will be at 3pm.
