Brazil’s true dominance on display in World Cup rout

World Cup favourites Brazil demolished Korea Republic in Qatar, and one moment shows just how hard the five-time winners will be to beat.

Thiago Silva provides the assist for Brazil’s third goal in a 4-1 win against Korea Republic.

Brazil had scored just three goals coming into the round of 16 in Qatar.

But the World Cup favourites finally clicked into gear, scoring four goals in one half as they demolished Korea Republic.

The return of Neymar Jr from an ankle injury - after the superstar missed the past two group stage games - may be just what Brazil needs to break its 20-year World Cup drought.

Brazil cruised into a 4-0 half-time lead over Korea Republic in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday with a brilliant first-half display.

Neymar returned to Brazil’s line-up after missing the last two matches and his influence was immediate as his side hit top gear against the helpless South Koreans to take a 4-0 lead by half-time.

An early goal from Vinicius Junior set them on their way, before Neymar slotted in a 13th-minute penalty to move within one goal of Pele’s all-time Brazil scoring record.

Richarlison added a magnificent third just before the half-hour mark at Stadium 974 and Lucas Paqueta volleyed home another after an incisive counter-attack.

Neymar injured his ankle in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win against Serbia and had to sit out the 1-0 win against Switzerland that secured qualification for the knockout stage and then the 1-0 defeat to Cameroon when coach Tite made nine changes to the starting line-up.

But it was the build up to Richarlison’s goal that shows just how dangerous this Brazil team is going forward.

Thiago Silva - the veteran 38-year-old defender - provided the final pass for Richarlison to score his third goal of the World Cup.

Veteran defender Thiago Silva provides the assist for Brazil’s third goal.

Neymar of Brazil celebrates with Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior after scoring the team's second goal via a penalty. Picture: Getty

Not many teams left in Qatar would have a defender capable of getting that far forward and being able to provide an assist like that.

And if Brazil does win its first World Cup since 2002, it will be as much on the back of its defence as its dazzling attack.

With Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, along with Chelsea’s Silva and PSG’s Marquinhos in the centre of the defence, it’s a team that will be hard to breakdown.

Korea Republic finally found a way through in the 76th minute through Paik Seung-Ho, but the game was well and truly one by that point.

Everyone talks about Brazil’s dribbling, technique, and efficiency, but one thing that goes under the radar is their ability to win the ball back and launch dangerous counters.

Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard — put the two together and they’re unstoppable.

— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) December 5, 2022

Alisson. What a player.

— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) December 5, 2022

Wow! @Alissonbecker has been Brazil's defensive wall tonight. 3 top draw saves 🙌🙌🙌 #GKunion#WorldCup2022#BRAKOR

— David James (@jamosfoundation) December 5, 2022

Speaking SBS, former Socceroo Craig Foster said Brazil “turned it on” in the first half.

“The last 30 minutes of this half was just extraordinary,” he said.

Former Socceroos goalkeeper Mark Bosnich added that the world “marvels” at Brazil’s attack, but its defence could be the key.

“And because of the dynamics of the sport the other team will have their opportunities. What security this gives you when you have a goalkeeper like this,” he said.

Brazil will now face Croatia in the quarter-finals after the 2018 runners up survived a penalty shootout against Japan.

Brazil is bidding for a record-extending sixth world title but first in 20 years.