Sizzling: Brazil were fantastic in attack against South Korea
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)Brazil cruised into the quarter-finals of the World Cup with a commanding victory against South Korea.
Brazil were rampant in the first-half of this last-16 tie, scoring four goals in 36 minutes as Vinicius Junior, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all got in on the act.
Tite’s side were in complete control for nearly all of the game and they could, and probably should, have scored three or four more.
As it was, South Korea got a late consolation goal through a stunning strike from Paik Seung-ho. It was not enough to turn the tide, though, and Brazil won 4-1, with a quarter-final clash against Croatia up next.
Simon Collings was at Stadium 974 to see Brazil in action...
Alisson 8
He didn’t have loads to do but, what he did have to contend with, the Liverpool goalkeeper dealt with really well. Made two excellent saves in the first-half and another two after the break as well. Finally beaten by a stunning strike.
Eder Militao 6
Asked to fill in at right-back as Brazil cope with a lack of fit full-backs and did a solid job. Not the most dangerous going forward, but he doesn’t need to be in this team.
Marquinhos 7
Looked good alongside Thiago and gives the centre-back pairing some much-needed pace. Made one magnificent block to prevent a goal in the second-half.
Thiago Silva 7
A fairly comfortable night’s work for the 38-year-old, who didn’t really put a foot wrong. Still oozes class and is a real leader for Brazil. Assisted Richarlison’s goal.
Danilo 7
Shifted over to left-back in the absence of the injured Alex Telles and Alex Sandro. Put in a solid performance as he linked up with Vinicius.
Lucas Paqueta 9
An excellent performance from the West Ham man. He was all over the park and his performance was summed up as he arrived late in the box to score Brazil’s fourth.
Casemiro 8
Sat and did all the dirty work while those in front of him scored all the goals. He may not grab the headlines, but the Manchester United midfielder is vital to this Brazil team.
Neymar 8
Back in the team and back on the scoresheet. Slotted his penalty with so much composure and treated the crowd to plenty of tricks and flicks.
Raphinha 8
Created the opening goal with some excellent dribbling out right. Gave his opposite number a torrid time all game and should’ve got on the scoresheet himself.
Richarlison 8
The Tottenham striker has been in excellent form at this World Cup and continued tonight. Scored a lovely goal and looked a threat all game. Won the penalty which Neymar scored.
Vinicius Junior 9 | Star player
Without doubt one of the best wingers in the world. Showed so much composure for his goal and setup Paqueta’s with a lovely dinked cross.
Substitutions
Dani Alves (Militao 63’) 6
39 years old and playing in the knockouts of a World Cup. Crazy. A solid cameo, too.
Gleison Bremer (Danilo 72’) N/A
Gabriel Martinelli (Vinicius 72’) N/A
Rodrygo (Neymar 81’) N/A
Weverton (Alisson 81’) N/A
