2022 World Cup favorites Brazil will face 2018 World Cup finalist Croatia in the quarterfinals of the World Cup after dismissing South Korea 4-1 in their round-of-16 game on Monday.
Brazil who entered the game with a bit of worry about injury concerns showed no such problems as Neymar who was rested in their last two games returned as an inspired player to lead the South Americans to a convincing win.
The Paris Saint Germaine (PSG) player scored as early as the 13th minute via a successful penalty conversion to double Brazil’s lead after the in-form Real Madrid Star Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in minute seven.
Richarlison was again on target for the former champions as the Tottenham Hotspurs forward netted his third goal in four games to make it 3-0.
It was simply ‘samba football’ for the five-time World Champions as Lucas Pacueta made it 4-0 before the close of first half-time, netting his first goal in 36th minute.
Despite South Korea pulling a goal back in the 76th courtesy of Paik Seun-ho, it in the end became just and additional figure for the statisticians as Brazil comfortably, booked their place into the final eight of the competition.
They are now set to face the Croatians for a spot in the semi-finals after Croatian got by Japan 3-4 penalties following an intense 1-1 full-time result.
Reigning World Cup finalist Croatia who has never won a title will be aiming for another bite at the cherry as they seek a return to the last four.
Brazil on the other hand has not reached the semi-final since the 2006 World Cup in Germany and will be almost looking desperately seeking to go closer to the grand finale as they shoot for a record-extending fifth title.
