Brazil bagged a bevy of goals vs. South Korea to solidify itself as the World Cup favorite. A Seleção won 4-1 Monday to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Vinicius Júnior opened the scoring in the 7th minute after a dangerous ball went through the box and found his feet. He had time and space to pick out a shot and struck it pure. Neymar added a second shortly thereafter from the penalty spot.
Richarlison scored the third after a nifty piece of play where headed the ball three times to keep it away from the defender, made a pass, then made a run into the box. The Tottenham forward collected the pass and scored his third of the tournament. It was such a well-worked goal even coach Tite got in on the dancing.
Lucas Paquetá made it four in the first half with a volley from a Vinicius chipped assist.
Brazil won its group but wasn’t particularly impressive in its previous two matches without Neymar. But when the PSG powerhouse is back in the lineup, the ball is in the back of the net. Before today, a team hadn’t scored four or more goals in the first half of a knockout round game since 2014.
South Korea joined the goal party at 76′ with a sensational strike by Paik Seung-Ho. Brazil attempted to clear a free kick but it fell to him just outside the 18. yard box. He took a touch then blasted it on the half-volley.
Despite that one beating Alisson, the Liverpool keeper was outstanding. He made several spectacular saves before being subbed off late in the second half so that Weverton could make his World Cup debut.
Brazil faces Croatia on Friday, December 9 with a spot in the semifinals up for grabs.
About Jesse Ghiorzi