FIFA World cup Brazil vs South Korea (4-1)

[Mary C]

Brazil’s stunning exhibition of attacking genius to destroy South Korea and set up a quarterfinal match against Croatia sent a chilling message to their World Cup Rivals. 

At Stadium 974, Neymar made his goal-scoring comeback form injury, but Brazil’s superstar was only a small part of a devastating performance that destroyed South Korea and ended this last 16 matches well before halftime. 

After seven minutes, Vinicius Junior calmly finished Raphinha’s cross in the penalty area to set the tone. Six minutes later, Neymar increased Brazil’s lead from the spot after fouling Richarlison. Neymar scored his 76th goal for Brazil, putting him only one goal short of the legendary Pele’s record. 

When Richarlison followed up his breathtaking volley goal against Serbia with a true piece of art, he added to his personal highlight reel of World Cup goals. He first controlled the ball three time with his head and foot before advancing into posing to receive Thiago Silva’s pass and score.  

After 36 minutes, Vinicius found Lucas Paqueta for West Ham’s high-priced acquisition to score with a perfectly placed volley as Brazil went up by four goals. To their great credit, South Korea maintained their competitiveness and forced three excellent saves form Brazil keeper Alisson before replacement Paik Seung-ho added another spectacular goal to the evening’s special goal with a spectacular 30-yard strike. 

Brazil was able to reach heights no other teams has, this World Cup for 45 minutes at Stadium 974, as they showed the level that will be needed to defeat Tite’s team and delivered a series of goals built the best traditions of their nation. 

And it was all done with the effortless freedom of expression that is Brazil’s characteristic; a four-goal lead at halftime helped to show some of their superiority A highlight of the competition was Richarlison’s goal, which was followed by a team dance that unexpectedly featured coach Titte. After missing two group games due to an ankle injury incurred against Serbia, Neymar returned to action with smooth touches and a goal before being replaced late in the game. 

Along with Richarlison and Vinicius, he forms a formidable attacking trio for Brazil that is both scoring goals and making a significant impact on this world cup. Tite was able to rest Alisson and bring on third choice goalkeeper Weverton for a taste of World Cup action since he felt so confident about Brazil’s position. Brazil has established itself as the team to compete against Croatia after putting on the strongest performance thus far in Qatar, or at least for the first 45 minutes before they started to falter. 

Brazil’s three goal victory margin was convincing and well deserved, but this victory also revealed another element of Tite’s team’s strength. South Korea may have been outmatched for big stretches of the game, but they still had plenty of chances before coming up against Liverpool’s Alisson, one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 

Even though South Korea never stopped trying to create chances, Alisson was brilliant. He deflected a long-range shot from Hwang Hee-chan before reacting fast to block him after the interval and sprinted off his line to stop Tottenham’s Son Heung-min when he was clear through. Brazil may be packed of attacking alternatives, but they also have the protection of Alisson, who has brought his exceptional play at club level this season on the world stage.