It was a sport that was mainly over as a contest by seven minutes, however that you simply couldn’t take your eyes off for a second. That was since you would possibly miss Brazil doing one thing spectacular, audacious or simply the kind of second that makes World Cup highlights for years and has fostered the nation’s soccer lore.
It may need been a Vinicius carry, a Neymar roll or a Raphinha flip – or it may have been many such moments combining for purpose after purpose after purpose, after purpose. Qatar definitely acquired what they wished in that sense, even when not sufficient individuals wished to observe it given the variety of empty seats at Stadium 974. It didn’t take lengthy for this 4-1 win over South Korea to grow to be a reproduction of the kind of gaudy exhibition match the state had staged nicely earlier than internet hosting a World Cup. Should you carry them, some individuals would possibly come. There was a minimum of no threat in restoring Neymar to the beginning XI, since this was simply one other coaching sport. Tite even acquired to the purpose the place he was giving squad gamers like sub goalkeeper Weverton a run-out, as if it was a ultimate group sport.
There have been some extra solemn sentiments, thoughts, as Neymar carried a Pele flag onto the pitch for the gamers to showcase.
Celebrations after the primary purpose was scored
(AFP by way of Getty Photos)
Then Brazil did one thing they’ve been threatening to do all World Cup. They absolutely expressed themselves in a whole exhibition of their abilities.
It in all probability helped that Korea performed a a lot increased line than each Serbia, Switzerland and Cameroon, and likewise have been a lot decrease in high quality at defending.
That meant that this was directly a present of how good Brazil might be however one which didn’t really feel all that related to the query of whether or not they can go and win the World Cup. It was like an interlude earlier than the intense enterprise – which appears all of the extra harsh given the photographs of crying Korean followers. There was one level when it regarded too boring for them to attain a header, given some acrobatics could possibly be tried as a substitute.
We in fact knew Brazil could possibly be this good. That they had already crushed Korea 5-1 in June. The marvel is about making use of these qualities in essentially the most exacting video games. They’ve had nothing even resembling that up to now, and should not face such a contest till the semi-finals.
A stroll via the group was adopted by this, which has ensured a quarter-final in opposition to a Croatia who’re canny however usually play at strolling tempo.
Brazil, for his or her half, did present their very own velocity within the temporary seven minutes when the sport was truly alive. Raphinha burst down the best earlier than displaying his smoothness on the run, turning this fashion and that earlier than taking part in the ball throughout purpose.
It got here to Vinicius, who initially formed to smash it, earlier than deftly clipping it over Kim Seung Gyu. It was beautiful. It was the sport.
Brazil’s celebration could as nicely have been a victory dance that early – even whether it is one thing which will more and more rile opposition. They did really feel some Korean aggression moments later, as Richarlison was fouled within the field. Neymar stepped for his first purpose of this match, and his eighth World Cup purpose in all.
Neymar, proper, celebrates along with his teammates
(Getty Photos)
Brazil have been at that stage – after simply 13 minutes – already taking part in as if this was a recreation of the airport advert earlier than the 1998 World Cup. Why play a easy cross when a carry with the skin of your foot within the different course would do?
Korea usually couldn’t get near them. The third purpose was a minimum of the kind of second they may replicate in a correct contest, because it regarded just like the form of deliberate transfer rehearsed for such moments. In a wondrous one-touch triangle, Marquinhos performed it to Thiago Silva who performed in Richarlison and the ahead completed so easily.
Neymar after scoring the second purpose of the match
(Getty Photos)
It acquired much more informal for the fourth as Vinicius flicked over one other ball, Lucas Paqueta this time firing in.
The sport regarded prefer it may grow to be a historic humiliation for Korea at that time however they did rally to present a way more aggressive account of themselves within the second half. Alisson was even examined a number of occasions earlier than a superb long-range strike from Seung-Ho Paik gave Korea a second to make sure they do have one thing to look again at on this sport with just a little fondness.
Brazil have been solely ever trying previous them – particularly if it concerned the potential for a trick.