They performed magic for Pelé, they danced for Pelé: World star Neymar and Brazil’s famous football circus gave the nation a carefree World Cup party in fear for the seriously ill idol.
The record world champion, who was incredibly strong for 45 minutes, knocked out South Korea 4:1 (4:0) in the round of 16 and is only three wins away from “Hexa” – the longed-for sixth World Cup star. Also against Croatia on Friday, the Selecao, who at times played unleashed like they haven’t in years, will be the clear favourite.
Brazil were given ample opportunity to show off their pre-tournament goal dances. After the 1-0 (7th), Vinicius Junior and three colleagues elegantly circled his hips, Neymar (13th, penalty kick) jumped wildly with the team in the jubilee cluster, Richarlison (29th) even danced with coach Tite after his dream goal .
Lucas Paqueta (36th) later put on a samba with Neymar, who now has 76 international goals (one less than Pelé) – the overwhelmed Koreans didn’t know where they were headed. In the second half, in front of 43,847 spectators, the favorite relaxedly switched to rest, which allowed Paik Seung-Ho to score the consolation goal (76th).
Superstar Neymar came back brilliantly after a two-game break due to an ankle injury and was the star again. He created the space for the other artists. South Korea relied on its top striker Heung-Min Son, who was sidelined except for one big chance (47th), on the right wing played for the 2002 semi-finalist from Mainz Lee Jae-Sung. But what good did it do?
Thirty minute demonstration of Brazilian football art
The roles were clearly divided, South Korea entered the game as a blatant outsider and immediately fell asleep with serious consequences. Raphinha went through unopposed on the right and made a sharp pass into the middle, leaving Vinicius Junior free behind a ball of players. Before the penalty, the fans called Neymar’s name, Jung Woo-Young had fouled Richarlison. The star came – and hit. Only then did South Korea have their first chance through Hwang Hee-Chan (17th) with a long-range shot.
What followed was a thirty-minute demonstration of Brazilian soccer art, the likes of which had not been seen in a long time. Richarlison held the ball three times with his head in the air, then in a flash a pass triangle unfolded to make it 3-0. The fourth goal was no less beautiful. Brazil danced with a ball – and without. Brazil had never led more at half-time at a World Cup. In the stands, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Ronaldo laughed. They all won the World Cup. Neymar not yet.
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