In the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup against South Korea, Brazil never left any doubt that they will live up to their role as favourites. In the first half, the South Americans danced several times after fantastic goals. The team sends recovery wishes to Pelé at home.
They did magic, they danced – and then they dedicated their victory to Pele. The world star Neymar and the rest of Brazil’s famous “circus” gathered after their quarterfinals in Doha behind a large banner that showed “O Rei”: the seriously ill king of Brazilian football, the sporting monument of the nation. A carefree World Cup party evening got a sad, emotional touch.
“We also play for Pele,” said goalscorer Vinicius Junior. “He has always supported us. When we think of him, it makes us strong.” So Brazil “have really arrived, we have a lot of self-confidence”.
The record world champion, who was incredibly strong for 45 minutes, knocked out South Korea 4:1 (4:0) in the round of 16, three wins are still missing until the “Hexa” – the longed-for sixth World Cup star. Also against Croatia on Friday, the Selecao, who at times played unleashed like they haven’t for years, will be the clear favourite.
Brazil were given ample opportunity to show off their pre-tournament goal dances. After the 1-0 (7th), Vinicius Junior and three colleagues elegantly circled his hips, Neymar (13th, penalty kick) jumped wildly with the team in the jubilee cluster, Richarlison (29th) even danced with coach Tite after his dream goal .
Lucas Paqueta (36) later put on a samba with Neymar, who now has 76 international goals (one less than Pele) – the overwhelmed Koreans didn’t know where they were headed. In the second half, in front of 43,847 spectators, the favorite relaxedly switched to rest, which allowed Paik Seung-Ho to score the consolation goal (76th).
The constant fear for Pelé had shaped the past few days from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo. First came the shocking news that cancer treatment at the 82-year-old national football memorial was no longer effective, but the family sharply disagreed: there is now talk of a respiratory infection as a result of infection with the corona virus. “His hour has not yet come,” assured Pele’s daughter Flavia Nascimento.
A photo was published on the Instagram channel of the three-time world champion before kick-off: Pelé walked through Sweden at his first World Cup in 1958, when he was 17 years old. “I want to inspire you, my friends,” it said, watching the game in the hospital: “I’ll keep my fingers crossed for each of you.”
So also: Neymar! The superstar came back brilliantly after a two-game break due to an ankle injury and was the fixed star again. He created the space for the other artists. South Korea relied on its top striker Heung-Min Son, who was sidelined except for one big chance (47th), on the right wing played for the 2002 semi-finalist from Mainz Lee Jae-Sung. But what good did it do?
The roles were clearly divided, South Korea entered the game as a blatant outsider and immediately fell asleep with serious consequences. Raphinha went through unopposed on the right and made a sharp pass into the middle, leaving Vinicius Junior free behind a ball of players. Before the penalty, the fans then called Neymar’s name, Jung Woo-Young had fouled Richarlison. The star came – and hit. Only then did South Korea have their first chance through Hwang Hee-Chan (17th) with a long-range shot.
What followed was a thirty-minute demonstration of Brazilian soccer art, the likes of which had not been seen in a long time. Richarlison held the ball up three times with his head in the air, then in a flash a pass triangle unfolded to make it 3-0. The fourth goal was no less beautiful. Brazil danced with a ball – and without. Brazil had never led more at half-time at a World Cup. In the stands, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo and Ronaldo laughed. They all won the World Cup. Neymar not yet.