Brazil routinely entered the quarter-finals, meeting with Croatia on Friday

(Patria) - The Brazilian national team easily defeated South Korea (4:1) tonight in Doha and qualified for the quarter-finals of the World Cup. They will play against Croatia on Friday for a place in the semi-finals.

The Brazilians were favorites ahead of the duel, and it soon became clear why. From the very beginning, the Cariocas dominated, and everything was decided after just 35 minutes of play.

It took the Brazilians only seven minutes to take the lead. Raphinha went down the right side and crossed into the middle, Neymar missed the ball, but on the other side was Vinicius, who set himself up and hit Kim's net for the lead.

In the 10th minute, a penalty was awarded to the five-time world champions. Richarlison won it, and Neymar scored the goal after his characteristic run-up.

Hwang threatened Alisson for the first time in the 17th minute, but his shot from over 20 meters was stopped by the Liverpool goalkeeper. In the 29th minute, another goal for Brazil, and the Samba started dancing again, with Brazilian coach Tite also joining in.

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A fantastic move, finished with a goal by Richarlison. Despite being 3:0 up, Brazil continued to attack, and by the 36th minute it was already 4:0. A quick counterattack by the Brazilians, Vinicius brilliantly spotted Paqueta's run from the second line, found him, and he easily shook the net of the helpless Koreans.

A big chance for Korea to get back into the match, but in the 48th minute, Son's shot was saved by Alisson. Even then, it was clear that Korea could only hope for a consolation goal, nothing more.

And so it was, as in the 76th minute, Paik scored with a powerful shot from about 25 meters to make it 4:1, although it should be noted that the ball hit someone on its way to the goal and changed direction.

Brazil relaxed, Tite made five substitutions, and managed to give some rest to Neymar, Militao, Danilo, and Vinicius, while even Alisson was taken off ten minutes before the end, with Weverton coming in instead.

The Brazilians played relaxed and stylishly again, looking very powerful, but to be honest, South Korea was too weak an opponent. We will see the true state of affairs on Friday, when they face the vice-champions from Russia.

There is no doubt that Brazil will have the role of favorites; tonight they sent a message to the Croats about what awaits them on Friday, but Croatia is used to playing big and difficult matches and often winning them. However it goes, Brazil remains one of the biggest favorites to win the world champion title, but to just easily get past Croatia - that will be hard. 

(sportsport.ba)