The pre-quarterfinal match between South Korea and Brazil witnessed a display of explosive attacking football by Brazil in the first half, as they scored four goals in quick time to down any hope South Korea had to cause an upset.
Brazil started their star forward Neymar Jr who did not play in the last two matches due to an ankle injury sustained during their opening match against Serbia.
Brazil opened the scoring as early as the 7th minute when Vinicius Jr found space to send a lofted shot beyond four defenders and the Korean keeper to the far post.
In the 11th minute, Korean defence was caught napping when Richarlison stole the ball from a sluggish Jung Woo-Young who took time to make a clearance. Jung committed a foul inside the penalty area and Brazil was awarded a penalty from which Neymar Jr scored his first goal of the tournament.
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South Korea made its first shot on goal in the 17th minute as H Hwang made an excellent long-range attempt which was tipped over by Brazil keeper Alisson.
Richarlison scored the third goal for Brazil when he made a 1-2 pass with Casemiro and send the ball into the far corner of the Korean net.
Lucas Paqueta added to Brazil’s tally when he dispatched a volley from a lofted cross from Vinicius jr. into the Korean net.
Brazil led by 4-0 at half-time and the probability of a South Korean comeback looked bleak.
In the second half, Raphinha had a series of chances to increase the tally in favour of Brazil, but he could not convert the chances.
South Korea had a good chance to score in the 68th minute. However, Hwang’s shot hit his teammate G S Cho; and the shot by Son from rebound was blocked by the Brazilian defenders.
In the 76th minute, South Korea did pull one goal back.
Lee Kang-in sent in a corner kick which was headed away.
Paek Seung-ho controlled the ball and sent a powerful shot taken as a half-volley into the left top corner for an excellent goal.
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In the 80th minute G S Cho had an opportunity to score one more goal when he beat the offside trap, but his shot to the near post from close range was saved by Alisson.
Brazil could not score in the second half. However, the victory margin of 4-1 was a handsome victory and takes them to the quarterfinals of FIFA World Cup 2022
Brazil will take on 2018 finalists Croatia in the Quarterfinals.
