Brazil were simply irresistible in the first half. They went in at the break 4-0 up and it could easily have been seven or eight. Yes, South Korea caused their own problems by pushing so far up the pitch and leaving so few players back but Brazil still had to know how to exploit it and exploit it they did. The Associated Press has the story:
Brazil beats S Korea 4-1 to quarterfinals at World Cup
Brazil’s Neymar, left and Brazil’s Richarlison, right, celebrate with other team players after Vinicius Junior scored his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Jin-Man Lee)
The Seleção did the majority of its damage in the first half. Vinicius, Jr., Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all found the back of the South Korean net during the first 45 minutes of action.
Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Despite the insurmountable deficit, the South Koreans came out in the second half and showed a lot of fight.
Brazil’s Neymar, left, celebrates after scoring on a penalty kick against South Korea’s goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu (1) during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
They opened the half on the attack and an early shot from Son Heung-Min had to be turned away by Brazil’s goalie Alisson.
Brazil’s Neymar celebrates scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
Neymar scored a goal in his return from injury and Brazil beat South Korea 4-1 to advance to the quarterfinals of the World Cup on Monday.
A portrait of Pelé is displayed at a Brazilian fan party before the the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, in Doha, Dec. 5, 2022. The 82-year-old Pelé remained in a hospital in San Paulo recovering from a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19, but the news coming from Brazil early Monday was good. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Neymar converted a first-half penalty for his 76th goal with Brazil and move one shy of Pelé all-time scoring record with the national team.
Brazil supporters cheer on the stands above a banner with pictures of soccer legend Pele, while waiting for the start of the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The 82-year-old Pelé said he was going to watch the match on television while hospitalized in Brazil to treat a respiratory infection.
Vinícius Júnior, Richarlison and Lucas Paquetá also scored in the first half for Brazil, which made it to the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the eighth straight time.
Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal from the penalty spot during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
South Korea was trying to advance past the round of 16 for the first time since its historic run as a co-host in 2002, when it made it to the semifinals and ended up fourth.
Paik Seung-ho scored South Korea’s goal in the 76th minute.
Brazil’s Neymar scores from the penalty spot his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Brazil also showed little signs of letting up. In the 55th minute, South Korean goalie Kim Seung-gyu came up with a diving fingertip save to keep the Brazilians from getting their 5th goal.
In the 76th minute, South Korea finally got one back. Paik Seung-ho smashed a screamer from outside the box that denied Brazil the clean sheet.
Brazil’s Neymar celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea, at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
World Cup 2022’s Round of 16 finishes up tomorrow with two more matches to decide the final 8 of the tournament. At 10 a.m. ET, Morocco takes on Spain. Then at 2 p.m. ET Portugal faces Switzerland.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior, 2nd left, celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and South Korea at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Dec. 5, 2022. Left to right, Raphinha, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta, Neymar. (AP Photo/Jin-Man Lee)
Next up: Brazil will face Croatia on Friday in the quarterfinals. Earlier today, Croatia defeated Japan on penalty kicks in their Round of 16 match.
