Xtra Time Web Desk: A stunning first half saw Brazil score four goals as the Selecao defeated South Korea 4-1 to storm into the quarter final of FIFA World Cup 2022 at Stadium 974 on Monday night.  The five-time former World Champions will now face Croatia in the last eight stages on Friday.  Vinicius Júnior (7′), Neymar (13′ pen), Richarlison (29′) and L Tolentino Coelho de Lima (36′) were on target for the Latin American giants. S Paik scored a consolation goal for South Korea in the 76th minute.

Brazil took the lead in the 7th minute from a move down the right wing. Raphinha exchanged passes with Casemiro with the Barcelona winger cutting the ball back to Vinicius Jr, who made no mistake shooting the ball high into the net.

Neymar Jr, who returned to the playing XI after missing group league games against Switzerland and Cameroon due to an ankle injury scored from a penalty in the 13th minute. Richarlison was brought down clumsily inside the box by Kim Young Gwon. It was the 77th goal for Neymar who is now one goal away from going past legendary Pele.

Richarlison was on target in the 29th minute for Brazil. The Tottenham forward juggled the ball with his head briefly before relaying a pass from Marquinhos to fellow centre-back Thiago Silva. The veteran Chelsea player then laid a perfectly weighted pass on a plate for Richarlison to score.

Another sweeping team move saw Vinicius chip a cross for Paqueta to emphatically smash home.

South Korea scored a consolation goal in the 76th minute after Paik Seung-ho’s pile-driver from 25 yards left Brazil’s third-choice goalkeeper Weverton watching the ball go in.

Tite’s side will now take on Croatia in the quarters on Friday.