Brazil has reaffirmed its bid for a sixth World Cup title; The “Selecao” literally flew into the quarter-finals, in which on Friday (4 p.m.) they couldn’t deny their role as favorites against Croatia. South Korea didn’t stand a chance. The team that heroically defeated Portugal last minute 2-1 was lost from the start.
The “Magicians of Sugar Loaf” danced the samba before the break and left an overwhelmed defensive (with five Kims including goalkeeper) in amazement. The bottom line was a crystal clear 4:1 (4:0) victory. It seemed like the comeback of superstar Neymar, who was eliminated in the first group game against Serbia (2-0) with an ankle injury, had brought the magic back. The 30-year-old, who had treated himself to a haircut and turned up perky blonde, immaculately directed the best shoot-out in front of 43,847 witnesses at the 974 Stadium in Doha.
Neymar in Pele’s footsteps
After the Paris SG legionnaire had ushered in Vinicius Junior’s 1-0 lead (7th), the dazzling Neymar personally converted a penalty kick to make it 2-0 (13th). He is the third Brazilian to score in three World Cups. Previously, Pele and Ronaldo had succeeded.
Neymar now has 76 international goals, just one shy of the national record set by Pele, who is following the action in Qatar from the hospital bed in Sao Paulo. Is it[calledItwasapleasuretowatchhisgiftedsporting”heirs”Atthesametimeonecouldfeelsorryforthe”TaegukWarriors”whohadtofeelinthefirsthalflikeBrazilinthatmemorable2014WorldCupsemifinalsinBeloHorizontewhereGermanyhadimmortalizeditselfinthehistorybookswitha7-1thrashing
Brazil was really in the mood for a shooting match, which Richarlison (29th) and Lucas Paqueta (36th) made perfect after fantastic combinations. South Korea also had chances but lacked that “killer instinct” needed in a knockout phase. Seung-ho Paik’s deserved goal of honor (76th) didn’t change that.
“We did a good job and we are very happy. Hopefully our journey is still very far,” said Neymar, for whom the medical department had done a great job.
A fine gesture after the final whistle: the Brazilians unfurled a banner with the words “Pele” written on it to send a get-well wish. South Korea’s hope for a “lucky punch” like in the 1999 test match was not fulfilled. At that time, the Asians had triumphed 1-0. They were a long way from that this time.
Source: Nachrichten
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
