FIFA World Cup Round of 16 : Brazil vs South Korea

 Favourites Brazil swamped South Korea in practically a one way traffic, in a sublime display of Samba football, that we football lovers yearn to gape at. A game dominated by some breathtaking, swashbuckling Samba style, that entertained the World, asking for more. 

It took just 7 minutes for Brazil to start scoring, as Raphinha worked his way through the right flank & coolly put the ball in the box in between Korean defenders, where a composed Vinicius received, steadied & the lobbed the ball past one & all into the net, as the Korean defense stood helplessly. In another couple of minutes, an attempted clearance led to Richarlison being fouled inside the box & referee pointed to the dreaded spot. Raphinha initially took the ball but then gave it to Neymar, who wrongfooted keeper Kim Seung-gyu to roll the ball into the right corner of the net, as Brazil went up 2-0. With this goal, Neymar now has 76 goals for his Country, just one behind legendary Pele. The yellow blue brigade was just loitering the pitch in gay abandon. South Korea had a sniff at their opponent's goal, but Allisson was was rick solid under the bar. Casemiro then funneled the ball to Neymar, who from the right corner end, passed  into the middle, & Richarlison did some amusing yet brilliant juggling with his head & feet, as Koreans gaped & groped in thin air, & then smoothly passed to Marquinhos who then passed to Thiago Silva, who played back to Richarlison, who in turn finished the move by slotting the ball into the net - all of this in a matter of a few seconds, as the Koreans blinked in disbelief, the rapturous crowd on its feet, & the Men in Yellow Blue broke into their customary dancing to celebrate - a dance that would put the best dancers to task, as if choreographed & orchestrated to make you join the jig. Vintage Brazil & Samba football was in full display. Within minutes again Brazil raided the Korean backline & this time, Richarlison carried the ball forward before finding Neymar, who in turn played to Vinicius, & the winger simply put the ball across the face of the goal, for Paqueta to finish, while the other Brazilian forwards had drawn away the Korean defenders. Within no time Brazil were up 4-0, as South Korea looked shell shocked. As the referee blew the half time whistle to give some reprieve to the hapless Koreans, it was some of the most exhilarating football on show, full of swagger & arrogance, that is so typical of Brazil, a lazy rhythm, that is named Joga Bonito. In between Brazil fluffed at least another 3 clear chances. 

South Korea came back in the 2nd half, aiming for some redemption, as Brazil continued to play in gay abandon, as Neymar from deep in midfield orchestrated moves & Raphinha, Vinicius, Paqueta, Richarlison, all kept the Koreans busy in frantic saves. Somehow by the hour mark, Brazil had taken their foot off the accelerator, as if in conversation mode, simply toying with their opponents, & not invested much, as the competition seemed inadequate. With around 15 odd minutes left to play, from a rebound off a free kick, Seung Ho Paik, pulled one back for the Koreans, as his blistering left footer arrowed past the outstretched arms of Alisson into the net to make the score 4-1. A  moment to savor in a score line to forget - A consolation goal, that would restore some dignity for the Koreans, who had tried their very best & had few moments of ascendency, but dwarfed against the skills & controls of their famed opponents. Brazil made some changes, to take off Neymar, Alisson, Vinicius, Danilo, saving them for the next game, as the score sheet remained 4-1 till the end. It was nice to see the Brazilian contingent going to the crowds & unfurling a banner displaying a touching tribute to Pele, who is ailing & in hospital on support system. 

South Korea end their campaign & can be proud of their achievements in the group stages, while, Brazil march on to quarter finals, where they meet the feisty Croatia, who have a history of coming back from the dumps. This will be an interesting game, as Samba football with have to orchestrate against the European physicality & technical strength.