Brazil, with Neymar back, swept South Korea 4-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup in Qatar on Monday, and are more than ever the favorite before facing Croatia in the next round. “King” Pelé, who had made it known that he would follow the match from his hospital bed, must have appreciated the victory as well as the banner that the players displayed at the end of the match, with the writing “Pelé!” and a photo showing him celebrating a goal with the Seleçao.
Treated for colon cancer, the 82-year-old triple world champion (1958, 1962, 1970) will have been able to see a Brazil in demonstration, firmly supported by an impeccable defense, which allows the attackers to deploy all their talent. The idol of Brazil has not yet lost his record of 77 goals in selection (according to Fifa), since Neymar, who scored once on penalty, remains, for the moment, at 76 achievements.
In 1958, eu caminhava pelas ruas pensando em cumprir a promise que fiz ao meu pai. Sei que hoje muitos fizeram promessas parecidas e também vão em busca da sua primeira Copa do Mundo.
Assistirei ao jogo do hospital e estarei torcendo muito por cada um de vocês. Boa so! pic.twitter.com/3CRI8v6H55
— Pele (@Pele) December 5, 2022
Ney’s response
There was no observation round: hardly played seven minutes that Vinicius opened the scoring and his personal counter in this World Cup. Forgotten by the defense sucked up on the right by a breakthrough from Raphinha, he took his time to place his shot (1-0, 7th). The second goal was scored by a severe penalty whistled by French referee Clément Turpin, for a foul by Jung Woo-young on Richarlison. Neymar, for his return, left no one else to transform him (2-0, 13th).
It was the “Ney”‘s response to those who had put him under pressure in recent days. The Brazilian press in particular had insisted on the brilliant start to the World Cup of his associates from Paris SG, Kylian Mbappé with France and Leo Messi with Argentina, and called on him to rise to their height, once recovered from his sprain in the right ankle.
Four goals in one half
Brazil were really too strong on Monday, and as in training, Richarlison concluded an action that he himself had initiated, launched into the box and behind the defenders by Thiago Silva (3-0, 30th) .
The striker, after celebrating with a dance with his teammates on the pitch, ran to the bench where the substitutes pushed their coach Tite to join in their dance. Proof, if needed, that this group in search of a sixth star is living its World Cup well! At the break, the five-time world champions led 4-0, thanks to another goal from Paqueta (36th).
The Koreans had chances, but stumbled for a long time on Alisson Becker, imperial, author of two fantastic parades after attempts by Tottenham striker Heung-min Son (47th) and Hee-chan Hwang (68th). Then they magnificently saved the honor by Paik Seung-ho, passed by the Barça training center, author of a powerful long shot on which the Brazilian goalkeeper had to admit defeat (4-1, 76th).
Source: Europe1
Brayden White, a veteran sports writer at Global Happening, brings his wealth of knowledge and expertise to the sports section. With over a decade of experience, he is committed to delivering high-quality coverage of the latest games and events.
