Rampant Brazil Cruise To World Cup Last 8

Brazil cruised to the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup after thrashing Korea Republic 4-1 at the Stadium 974 on Monday night.

Neymar was recalled to the line-up after recovering from an ankle injury, while Vinicius Junior, Raphinha and Richarlison were recalled to the attack after the loss to Cameroon.

Selecao got off to the perfect start when Vinicius Junior opened the scoring on six minutes by turning home a cross from Neymar with a composed finish into the corner.

It got better for Brazil five minutes later after being awarded a penalty for a foul on Richarlison in the box, which allowed Neymar to convert and opened his account for the campaign. Korea nearly pulled one goal back in the 16th minute as Hwang Hee-chan was given time and space to unleash a strike that forced goalkeeper Alisson Becker to tip over the crossbar.

However, Brazil continued their dominance and bagged a third goal on 30 minutes as a superb passing move ended with Richarlison calmly slotting home his third goal of the tournament.

Five minutes later, the fourth goal arrived as Vinicius turned provider by surging down the left plank before picking out Lucas Paqueta, who sent a first-time finish into the back of the net.

Korea coach Paulo Bento responded with a double change at the start of the second half, with Son Jun-Ho and Hong Chul replacing Jung Woo-Young and Kim Jin-Su.

The second half continued to be played at a high tempo as Heung-min Son was presented with a big change after Marquinhos' error played him through goal, however Alisson was on hand to make the finger-tip save.

With Brazil comfortably leading, coach Tite was able to rest the likes of Vinicius, Danilo and Eder Militao as Gabriel Martinelli, Bremer and Dani Alves were introduced in the final 30 minutes.

The Koreans did manage to pull a goal back with 14 minutes left on the clock as a failed clearance landed at the feet of Paik Seung-Ho, who sent a fine volley past Alisson from the edge of the box.

Brazil carved out a couple more chances late in the game to extend their lead, with Alves going closest with an acrobatic volley, but the four first-half goals were enough to seal the South Americans' spot in the last eight.

The five-time world champions will face Croatia in their quarter-final tie this weekend.