(World Cup) S Korea-performance

▲ Paik Seung-ho of South Korea celebrates his goal against Brazil during the countries' round of 16 match at the FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha on Dec. 5, 2022. (Yonhap)

▲ South Korean players salute the crowd after losing to Brazil 4-1 in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha on Dec. 5, 2022. (Yonhap)

▲ Cho Gue-sung of South Korea (C) attempts a shot against Brazil during the countries' round of 16 match at the FIFA World Cup at Stadium 974 in Doha on Dec. 5, 2022. (Yonhap)

(World Cup) S Korea-performance

(World Cup) S. Korea taken to school by Brazil in crushing loss

By Yoo Jee-ho

DOHA, Dec. 6 (Yonhap) -- Before taking on world No. 1 Brazil in their first knockout match at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, South Korean players had talked some tough talk, saying they wouldn't just happy to be in the round of 16 and they would try their best to upset the Selecao.

However, reality punched them in the face Monday night, when Brazil pounded South Korea 4-1 at Stadium 974 in Doha to advance to the quarterfinals.

South Korea were taken to school, getting thoroughly outplayed and finding no answer against flashy offensive display of the top-ranked team.

Brazil were everything that South Korea aspire to be, clinical with their finish and precise with their passes in tight space. Each of Brazil's four goals brought thousands of fans out of their seats, such was their sheer beauty.

South Korea had reached this point by sticking to their guns and playing their usual, buildup football. It's largely predicated on winning the possession battle and patiently creating opportunities from the back.

But whatever South Korea had planned to do, whether it was attacking Brazil on the flanks or behind their defense with speed, Brazil ruined those plans before the match was even half an hour old.

Vinicius Junior, Neymar and Richarlison had a goal apiece to give Brazil a 3-0 lead by the 29th minute, and Lucas Paqueta added another in the 36th to essentially end the match there.

Brazil scored their first three goals on four shot attempts. The possession numbers were almost dead even, but the Brazilians were far more ruthless and efficient when they had the ball in the attacking zone. Having skills straight out of a video game also helped.

Brazil were also quick to counter pressure South Korea when they lost possession, and they often found open teammates to go on transition.

South Korea continued to battle in the second half, with substitute Paik Seung-ho scoring the lone goal for the Taegeuk Warriors with an impressive left-footed strike in the 76th.

But it was far too little, too late. The match that kicked off at 10 p.m. finished just before the clock struck midnight in Qatar. With that, South Korea's dream of a Cinderella run at the World Cup died, too.

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