Eko Hot Blog reports that Brazil marked Neymar’s return from injury with a comprehensive 4-1 win over South Korea, setting up a World Cup quarter-final clash against Croatia.
The Brazilians scored four unanswered goals in the first half at Stadium 974, Qatar, on Monday as they sought their sixth World Cup title, while a spirited South Korea fought hard to score a consolation goal in the 76th minute.
Brazil got off the mark in the seventh minute, with Raphinha picking up the ball just outside the box and rushing in on the right side, sending in a pass to Neymar.
The Paris Saint-Germain number 10 was brought down by his marker and the ball ended up at the feet of Vinicius Junior, who slotted it to the right of Kim Seung-gyu in the South Korean goal.
Just three minutes later, Richarlison was brought down by Jung Woo-young inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Neymar wasted no time in slotting it into the bottom-right of the net, putting Brazil two goals up with just 13 minutes on the clock.
A great piece of skill in the 26th minute saw Richarlison juggling the ball, heading it to himself three times while evading defenders on the edge of South Korean box before passing it off, setting up a team move that resulted in the ball coming back to the Tottenham striker, who shot cleanly for Brazil’s magnificent third.
Just ten minutes later, Vinicius Jr set up Paqueta with a cheeky chip, and the midfielder shot low and right.
South Korea pulled one back in the 77th minute after spending almost the entire night dealing with Brazil’s flying attackers.
Brazil will face Croatia in the quarter-finals at Education City in Qatar on Friday.
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