Brazil delivered an ominous message to their World Cup rivals with a superb attacking performance to beat South Korea and book a place in the quarter-finals against Croatia.
Neymar made a goal-scoring return to action after injury at the Stadium 974, but the Brazilian superstar was just one element of a devastating performance that tore South Korea apart and left them in the last 16 before half-time. Well fixed.
Venezia Jr. set the tone after seven minutes with a finish in the penalty area from Rafinha’s cross, and Neymar doubled Brazil’s advantage from the spot six minutes later when he fouled Richarlison.
It was Neymar’s 76th goal for Brazil, leaving him just one behind the legendary Pele’s all-time record.
Richterlison then added to his personal haul of spectacular goals at this World Cup when he followed up his sublime volley against Serbia with a real work of art, heading in before being in position to collect Thiago Silva’s pass. And controlled the ball three times with his feet. Go ahead and score.
Brazil secured the four points after 36 minutes with another gem, Venezius picking out Lucas Piqueta for West Ham’s expensive acquisition to score with a well-placed volley.
South Korea, to their great credit, continued to compete and forced several fine saves from Brazil keeper Alisson, before substitute Paik Seung-ho added to his tally of special goals of the night with a superb 30-yard strike.
Brazil set the standard for the World Cup.
For 45 minutes at the Stadio 974, Brazil reached heights that no other team has reached at this World Cup, showing the level that Tite’s side will need to overcome, in the best traditions of their country. Creates a collection of scored goals.
And all achieved with the smooth freedom of expression that is Brazil’s trademark, a four-goal half-time advantage going some way to demonstrate their dominance.
Richarlison’s goal was a golden moment of the tournament, followed by a team dance that did not include coach Tite.
Neymar eased himself back into action with a silky touch and a goal that forced him out of two group games before being substituted late on after proving his fitness following an ankle injury against Serbia.
He is part of a potent Brazil attacking trio alongside Richarlison and Vinicius, both on the scoresheet and both making a serious mark at this World Cup.
Tite was so comfortable with Brazil’s position that he was able to send on third-choice keeper Everton to rest Alisson and get a taste of World Cup action.
Brazil will now be heavy favorites against Croatia after putting down the marker with the best display ever – or at least 45 minutes ago – by any team in Qatar.
