Samba boys run riot in Samba masterclass
A rampant Brazil dominated South Korea at Stadium 974 to emphatically seal their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals.
Tite’s side was full of confidence as they put four past South Korea in the first half, including another outrageous goal by Richarlison. There was so much to like about that third goal: Richarlison dribbling with the ball on his head, the two Brazil players involved in the build-up on the edge of the box being their center-backs Marquinhos and Thiago Silva.
The superb performance took the attention away from what was quite a risky selection decision by Tite — starting Neymar after the forward had missed the last two games with an injury to his right ankle. He looked chirpy throughout, dancing, dribbling, nutmegging, and showing no signs of discomfort when he stuck a penalty past Kim Seung-Gyu to make it 2-0.
South Korea scored a late consolation goal through Paik Seung-ho, beating Alisson from long range from outside the penalty area.
It was Neymar’s 76th goal for Brazil, leaving him just one behind the legendary Pele’s all-time record.
Richarlison then added to his personal showreel of great goals at this World Cup when he followed his spectacular volley against Serbia with a real work of art, controlling the ball three times with his head and foot before moving into position to take Thiago Silva’s pass in his stride and score.
Story by Kwabena Boateng Asiedu | univers.ug.edu.gh | Univers sports
