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Top-ranked Brazil knocked South Korea out of the World Cup tournament to advance to the quarterfinals against Croatia in the Round of 16 match of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
4-1 defeat
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior scored seven minutes into the first half of the match followed by goals from Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta. Neymar returned to the field after he sustained ankle ligament damage in Brazil’s first game, a 2-0 win over Serbia.
“We gave everything. Don’t blame us. With these Brazil players, if you give one of them spaces they score. I don’t want to blame any of our players because they gave everything,” said South Korean national team captain and Tottenhamp Hotspur star Son Heung-min.
“I am so proud of what they did. It’s not easy to play, especially for young guys who came on and played from the start – they did a great job for our country and I hope they don’t stop working and I hope the young guys realize how important it is to play in the World Cup. I am very proud and very happy that the young guys did an amazing job for the national team and for the country.”
The South Korean team, better known as the Red Devils, finished second in Group H match with Hwang Heechan’s injury-time strike, after defeating Portugal 2-1 and advancing to the knockout stage.
Richarlson’s heartfelt tweet
Richarlison consoled Son after their World Cup exit. The Brazilian striker also posted an image of him hugging Son after the game, tweeting: “I know how hard you fought to be here and that’s why you’re a hero to your people.”
The duo both play together at Tottenham Hotspur.
Bento’s departure
Paulo Bento, who was appointed in 2018 as Shin Taeyong’s successor, has confirmed he will not renew his contract after the team’s FIFA World Cup exit.
“I just announced to the players and president of the confederation this decision I made in September. This was a decision set in stone, and today I confirmed it,” he said. “I have to thank them for everything, they gave their best. I have been proud to be their manager.”
Surprising facts
It’s the first time South Korea made it past the group stage ever on World Cup stages since 2010.
Brazil has won the World Cup five times, more than any other country in the tournament’s history. It’s the eighth consecutive time it has qualified for the quarterfinals. Neymar is also the third Brazilian to score in three or more World Cups after Pele and Ronaldo.
What’s next?
Brazil will face off in the quarterfinals against Croatia on Friday.
The World Cup final is set to be held on December 18.