Brazil sweeps past Korea (4-1) to face Croatia in the quarterfinals

The five-time world champions are well aware of their power, and it was on full display today in their match against South Korea. The scoreboard opened immediately, in just the 7th minute, thanks to Vinícius Jr., and from then on it was a Brazilian goal fest, in which the Koreans stood no chance.

Six minutes elapsed when the referee decided to award a penalty in favor of the Canarinha, after a foul by Jung Woo against Richarlison. Neymar charged in to send the Brazilian fans at Stadium 974 into raptures. With this goal, Neymar is just one goal away from equalling Pelé´s record, and to possibly become his country's top scorer in World Cup history. O Rei was present at the match and his compatriots chose to pay him an affecionate tribute at the end of the match.

Korea were confident of pressing and looking for a miracle, with a very vertical game towards Alisson's area, but Brazil held their positions and left no spaces. In the 29th minute, the Koreans were in trouble again when Richarlison scored a goal to make it 3-0. No doubt about it, o jogo bonito is in Qatar.

Before halftime came the fourth goal: Neymar's filtered pass for the arrival of Vini from the left, who then put in a perfect cross to meet Paqueta's pefectly timed arrival.

Coming back from the break, more goals were expected from the green-and-blue Verdeamarela. However, the pace slowed and Korea took advantage to close the gap with a great left-footed shot by Paik Seung-ho, which enraptured their fans (4-1).

This was the eighth time Brazil and South Korea have met, but the first in an official competition.

In search of its sixth championship, Brazil will now face Croatia. Neymar and Co. are the team with the most World Cups, having participated uninterrupted from 1930 to 2022. However, it has been 20 years since they last won their last title.