Stylish Brazil thrash South Korea to setup Croatia quarter-final

With Brazil boosted by a return to action for Neymar, the flare the Seleção have become famed for was in full-flow from the get-go against South Korea.

It didn’t take long for them to find a breakthrough either, with Vinícius Jr on hand to caress home from Raphinha’s cut back and clock up Brazil’s first goal in the opening 45 minutes at this World Cup. Like London buses, after waiting so long for one, Brazil had two inside 15 minutes. A clumsy Jung Woo-young tackle felled Richarlison in the area, and up stepped the man of the moment Neymar to move to within a goal of Pele’s national scoring record.

Having already scored one World Cup goal this term that will live long in the memory, Richarlison added another to his collection. After incredibly juggling the ball on his head, a swift three-pass move freed Richarlison to stroke home his third of the tournament and spark a peculiar touchline celebration involving coach Tite and the entire Brazil bench who joined Richarlison in doing his signature pigeon dance.

The game was fast becoming embarrassing for South Korea, who were at risk of becoming royally humiliated when Lucas Paquetá thundered home Brazil’s fourth before the break - the first time they’d scored four in the first half of a World Cup game since 1954.

It would perhaps be unfair on Brazil to say they headed South Korea’s plea for mercy, but negotiating the second half without conceding another goal was a small win in itself for Paulo Bento’s side. Tite certainly wasn’t concerned about a dry second half, as he took full advantage of Brazil’s healthy advantage to withdraw players ahead of a quick turn around for Friday’s quarter-final. Defeat brings to an end a remarkable run for South Korea, who can take heart from the fact they did at least get on the scoresheet after the break thanks to a great Paik Seung-ho strike, though it was never going to be enough to prevent their elimination.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Raphinha (Brazil)