Goals from Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Richarlison and Paqueta help Brazil to a 4-1 win over South Korea in the World Cup Round of 16.
A Seleção as expected made a number of changes to their lineup after resting key players against Cameroon, but the notable inclusion was starman Neymar, who returned from his ankle injury that he suffered in the first game of the tournament.
South Korea only made a few changes, as they looked to build on the momentum gained from their 2-1 victory over Portugal in the last game.
Brazil’s quality was clear to see from the start, and they made early pressure count, as after 7 minutes, Raphinha’s cut back found Vinicius Jr at the back post who calmly slotted his shot away to give his country the lead.
It went from bad to worse for South Korea, as Richarlison was brought down in the box 3 minutes later. Neymar stepped up to take the penalty, and calmly placed it into the bottom right corner to double the lead.
South Korea almost had an instant reply, as Hwang Hee Chan’s effort looked like it was heading into the top right corner, but Alisson superbly tipped it past the goal.
They would be left to rue this missed chance, as Brazil would eventually make it 3-0. After a fantastic passing move, Richarlison went one-on-one with the goalkeeper and finished into the bottom left corner.
7 minutes later, it was 4-0. Vinicius Jr dinked the ball to the back post, where it was met by Lucas Paqueta on the volley to give A Seleção a 4 goal lead in the first half of a World Cup game since 1954, and a first World Cup goal for the West Ham midfielder.
South Korea came close to getting one back midway through the second half, but following a good save from Alisson, they were unable to poke a goalmouth scramble into the Brazil goal.
They would eventually get one back with 15 minutes to go. A free kick was cleared only as far as Seung-Ho Paik, who fired a left footed half volley into the far corner.
That goal wouldn’t be enough though, as it would end 4-1 to Brazil, meaning A Seleção advance to the quarter finals, where they will face off against Croatia on Friday at 3pm GMT.