World Cup 2022: Neymar Scores Again as Brazil Defeats South Korea 4-1 to Go to the Quarterfinals

In a 4-1 victory over South Korea on Monday night, Brazil breezed into the World Cup quarterfinals thanks to an energetic first half.

The return of Neymar, who sustained an ankle injury in Brazil’s opening victory over Serbia, was a boost for Tite’s team. The 30-year-old announced his comeback with a penalty, moving him one goal behind Pele’s record of 77 (13), which increased Brazil’s lead after Vinicius Junior’s composed opening score of (7).

Then, after one of the most beautiful builds-ups in tournament history, Richarlison scored his third goal (29) to make it 3-0. Lucas Paqueta of West Ham then added a second goal (36) to make it 4-0 before halftime.

But after the break, the momentum slowed because the task had already been completed in large part. Because of this, South Korea did not let their guard down, and they had a brief moment to rejoice when Seung-Ho Paik made a thunderous strike that cut the deficit (76).

Unsurprisingly, it was not enough to inspire a comeback from Paulo Bento’s side, who exit after having reached the knockout stages for the first time since 2010

Brazil, meanwhile, has advanced to the tournament’s final eight, where they will play Croatia on Friday afternoon.

Neymar later revealed he had feared his tournament was over after his injury, saying: “I had a very challenging night after getting hurt.

“I was thinking of a million different things and I was afraid I might not be able to play in this World Cup again, but I had the support of all my colleagues, my family and I tried to look for strength where I could not find it.

How Brazil Sauntered into the Quarter-finals

The fast-paced opening exchanges of the first match at Stadium 974 before it is dismantled gave away that this would be a competitive match. It became abundantly clear that would not be the case after less than 15 minutes.

Raphinha skillfully avoided a challenge on the left side of the box and sent a low ball skidding through a horde of players to Vinicius Junior, who took one touch to control the ball and caressed it in with his second touch to put Brazil firmly in control.

Richarlison was subsequently caught by Woo-Young Jung, and it was two seconds later that Neymar successfully converted a penalty to inch closer to a historic milestone.

South Korea gained confidence as a result of the significant setback, with Alisson producing a hero save to deny Hee-Chan Hwang’s spectacular 25-yard attempt that was heading for the goal. At the same time, holes started to appear in the back, which were then filled.

Brazil’s third goal exuded the South American flair that will undoubtedly place it among the tournament’s best. After the smoothest of exchanges between Thiago Silva and Casemiro, Richarlison juggled the ball with his head and finished with composure. If that didn’t put an end to Korean hopes, Paqueta sure did when he steered Vinicius Junior’s scooped cross in.

After the break, Tite’s team attempted to increase their simply insurmountable lead, but an inspired performance from goalkeeper Seung-Gyu Kim prevented them from doing so. In fact, their opponents even managed to slightly lessen the victory’s luster late on when substitute Seung-Ho Paik scored a consolation from 25 yards after a corner was cleared into his path.

However, Brazil had the night, and after an impressive performance in Doha, they are getting closer to glory.

Image source: nytimes.com

News source: skysports.com