Brazil cruises over South Korea into the World Cup quarterfinals, led by Neymar
Brazil turned on the flair, dancing their way to a 4-1 World Cup round-of-16 win over South Korea on Monday at Qatar's Stadium 974.
Brazil advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals against Croatia on December 9 when grading four goals in an exceedingly sturdy half, as well as goals from Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison, and Lucas Paqueta.
In place of Tite in the starting lineup as the Selecao sought its sixth World Cup victory, Neymar, who had missed Brazil's final two group games due to an ankle injury sustained against Serbia, and Danilo were both reinstated.
Vinicius wasted no time putting his side ahead, settling a cross from Raphinha that left him unmarked at the back post and neatly curling a shot into the side netting while 82-year-old Brazil icon Pele cheered the squad from a hospital while recovering from a respiratory infection.
"We will try our best to reach the final," Vinicius said. "We're also sending Pele a big embrace. Let's hope he gets better soon."
Soon after the first goal, South Korean player Jung Woo-Young fouled Richarlison in the box, allowing Neymar the opportunity to extend the lead. The Paris Saint-Germain player's penalty kick made it 2-0 within just 15 minutes, fooling the goalie Kim Seung-Gyu.
On a counter, Neymar passed to Vinicius, who then picked up a cross for the charging Paqueta to side-foot home with his first touch for Brazil's fourth goal of the first half.
Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur forced a fantastic save from Alisson shortly after the restart, while Raphinha was denied twice at the other end as he attempted to add to Brazil's tally.
Despite holding Brazil scoreless in the second half and scoring a dramatic late consolation goal through Paik Seung-Ho, South Korea's World Cup came to an end against the tournament favorites.
Following the game, Brazil's players posed for a group shot with a banner depicting Pele to wish him well.
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