Brazil – South Korea. After having easily extricated itself from its group, the Seleçao rocks with its certainties in the knockout phase with the miraculous Taeguk Warriors as their opponent. Follow with us, from the kick-off, the match between Brazil and South Korea, live commented.
So far the short Brazilian stay in the Qatari desert had everything of an almost diplomatic visit, the Seleçao settling current affairs during these first two outings before turning in large widths, without really worrying about the result. The defeat conceded against Cameroon at the end of the match changed nothing at best, except to confirm Tite in his tactical choices and men, his substitutes not having displayed great ambitions to shake up the hierarchy. Better, this match regenerated the bodies. “The players absent against Cameroon are more rested and the others have gained confidence. We are ready for the future”, appreciated the Brazilian coach. This sequel is an Everest that will have to be climbed in four stages where the 61-year-old will simply play his future, he who is still not unanimous among Auriverde supporters.
duller than ever
Because Brazil version Tite has nothing exciting, nor magic. It is even very far from the poetic and romantic vision of this shimmering team, where the dribblers compete in ingenuity to drive the defense and the opposing organization crazy. As a child of Rio Grande do Sul, Tite imposed his pragmatic vision of football. An almost European philosophy where organization takes precedence over fantasy. And if the results do not prove him wrong “his” Brazil almost never losing (6 defeats in 79 games), the form, it leaves something to be desired. And this start of the 2022 World Cup is a wonderful illustration of his work. The most solid team in the competition with only 1 goal conceded, they are also one of the least prolific attacks with only three goals scored, the worst total for a Brazilian team since 1978. “We don’t turn opportunities into goals”pleads César Sampaio, assistant coach, arguing the 51 shots attempted by the players, including 19 against Cameroon alone.
Neymar, the return of the magician
If the precepts of the coach partly explain this starving record, other elements must be taken into account such as the absence of Neymar in the last two games. Without him, all the magic disappears. “Everyone has seen how much he has been missing in recent games. With his return, I will be even better up front.”, slice Richarlison. After ten days of treating his right ankle, the Brazilian leader has resumed training and should be on the pitch at kick-off. A significant advantage when starting a new competition. “We can no longer make mistakes”, agreed Richarlison, still whose contribution will be scrutinized, he who does not convince at the peak despite his double against Serbia. However, he will be the only option in front after the package of Gabriel Jesus, hit in the knee. Bad news to which was added two others since Alex Telles and Alex Sandro also said goodbye to the World Cup, injured.
Koreans without pressure
Glitches that accumulate, far from Korean worries. For their first round of 16 since 2010, South Korea approach this meeting with the light spirit of a miracle after their heroic end to the match against Portugal to snatch their qualification at the last second, but with heavy legs. “It’s not fair to play again after 72 hours, but we have to accept it if it’s Fifa’s decision. It’s already difficult to face a big team like Brazil, who can probably win this Cup world, so if we add this handicap, our task is very difficult. We will try to do our best”, complains Paulo Bento, who has hardly been able to rotate his workforce like his opponent. The Portuguese coach of South Korea will nevertheless be able to say that his people have the rhythm and the dynamics on their side. The enthusiasm aroused in the country by their performance will give the players that extra soul to put on a match worthy of the challenge. “It’s a strong and aggressive team, we can’t make any mistakes”confirms Richarlison, who rubs shoulders all year round with Tottenham Heung-Min Son, the technical leader and main threat of the Taeguk Warriors.
Brazil know the game won’t be as easy as it was in the friendly in June when they demolished their opponents 5-1 in Seoul, including a brace from Neymar. Because the context is different and so are the issues. Tonight, Brazil will play to maintain the dream of a sixth star but also for Pelé, currently hospitalized. “We will fight by all means to avoid failure”, assures Thiago Silva. Facing the land of Morning Calm, the evening promises to be agitated.
The round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup between Brazil and South Korea should start around 8 p.m., at Stadium 974 in Doha.
The match between Brazil and South Korea counting for the round of 16 of the World Cup will be broadcast on TF1 and beIN SPORTS 1, official broadcaster of the competition.
The meeting between Marquinhos’ Brazil and Son Heung-Min’s South Korea will be available for streaming on the MyTF1 and MyCanal platforms.
BetClic: Brazil: 1.27 / Draw: 5.60 / South Korea: 12.00
Sports bets: Brazil: 1.29 / Draw: 5.70 / South Korea: 12.00
Winamax: Brazil: 1.29 / Draw: 5.70 / South Korea: 12.00
Brazil: Alisson – Militao, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo – Casemiro, Lucas Paqueta – Raphinha, Neymar, Vinicius – Richarlison.
South Korea: Seung-Gyu Kim – Moon-Hwan Kim, Min-Jae Kim, Young-Gwon Kim, Jin-Sun Kim – In-Beom Hwang, Woo-Young Jung – Hee-Chan Hwang, Kang-In Lee, Heung -Min Son – Gue-Sung Cho.