Brazil 4-1 South Korea: Sublime Selecao changes style to prepare for Croatia quarter-final

Brazil produced Qatar 2022's best performance so far with an emphatic 4-1 win over South Korea at 974 Stadium on Monday to set up a quarter-final draw with Croatia.

The Seleçao were four goals clear in 36 minutes - only the second time in their World Cup history that they scored four times in the first half of a game - in a one-sided tie unique.

Neymar returned to the Brazil line-up - back to full form after their 1-0 loss to Cameroon - and he scored from the penalty spot after Vinicius Junior opened the scoring.

Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta put the game out of reach and there was no turning back for South Korea, although they had a moment to savor thanks to Paik Seung-ho's goal in second half.

Raphinha collected the ball for Vinicius to tuck into the top right corner after seven minutes and Brazil netted a quick second as Neymar converted from the penalty spot.

Richarlison won that penalty after being grabbed by Jung Woo-young, and was among the goals himself when he finished after Thiago Silva picked him off with a first pass.

Brazil were completely out of sight at the interval as Paqueta completed another fine attack which culminated in Vinicius clipping the ball on his way to steal home.

A double change at the interval led to an improved performance from South Korea, who, after forcing Alisson into a few saves, scored through a long-range strike from Paik that deflected.< /p>

What does this mean? Samba stars put on a show

Brazil struggled for much of their wins over Serbia and Switzerland before suffering a shock loss to Cameroon, but back at full strength here they put down a real marker.

South Korea's first knockout game in this competition since 2010 couldn't have been much worse, with Tite's men out of sight well before half-time.

Five-time winners Brazil are past their last eight World Cup Round of 16 matches and will now face 2018 runners-up Croatia, who previously beat Japan on penalties.

Brazil regains its goalscoring touch

Brazil scored a rather disappointing three goals from 57 shots in the group stage, compared to three goals from their first five efforts against South Korea.

The Seleçao proved to be much more clinical than they were in the first round, although the configuration of their opponents also played into their hands - a mistake that Croatia will surely not make.

Put Neymar back among the goals

Neymar was back in the squad after missing the last two games through injury and he scored his 76th goal for Brazil, putting it one short of Pele's all-time record .

The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, whose last six goals for the Selecao have come from penalties, will be looking to match and surpass the Brazilian great in Qatar.

What's next?

Brazil are looking forward to their quarter-final against Croatia in Al Rayyan on Friday, while South Korea's campaign in Qatar is now over.