South Korea knocked out of World Cup by Brazil after 4-1 thrashing

There will still be no Asian national team World Cup winners after South Korea was knocked out of contention by Brazil on Monday.

The South Korean national team, captained by star Son Heung-min, who was still wearing an in-game face mask due to a fractured eye socket, entered the World Cup 2022 knockout stage matchup against the South American squad after a 2-1 win over Portugal on Friday. They were dominated by Brazil 4-1.

Brazil’s “Canary Squad” came into the faceoff as heavy favorites and led Korea 3-0 after only 29 minutes into the game at Stadium 974 in Doha.

Winger Vinicius Junior scored the first goal seven minutes after the first kickoff, with forward Neymar adding another goal just six minutes later, marking the superstar’s 76th goal for Brazil, only one shy of Brazilian legend Pele’s 77.

News of the 82-year-old’s hospitalization due to colon cancer has hung over the Brazil team, with coach Tite wishing Pele well at a pre-game news conference and Brazil fans unfurling a “get well soon” banner during the game. Pele said he would be watching the game and cheering on Brazil from the hospital.

He had a lot to cheer for, as the game turned into a landslide in favor of Brazil after Richarlison scored Brazil’s third goal off of a pass from Thiago Silva. South Korea got their lone point thanks to Paik Seung-ho, who scored from outside the box in the 76th minute.

Of note for the Korean team was goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who prevented Brazil from achieving a more lopsided win. Brazil had 18 attempts at goal, of which 10 were on target.

Brazil will move on to play Croatia in the quarterfinals. Croatia beat Japan earlier on Monday by scoring 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Featured Image via Getty Images

Share this Article