Five-time World Cup champions Brazil put on a stunning dominant force on Monday as they beat South Korea 4-1 in one of the round of 16 fixtures to secure a quarterfinal clash with Croatia

Boosted by the return of Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar, who missed the team’s remaining group-stage matches after sustaining an injury in the opening match against Serbia, Brazil got into the action as soon as possible.

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior scored after seven minutes into the game. The Brazilian forward dedicated the goal to Brazilian Legend Pele after the game.

 “I want to send a huge hug to Pele. This victory is for him. I hope that everything goes well, that he can get out of this situation, and we can be champions for him.” Vinicius Junior said.

Meanwhile, Neymar scored a penalty six minutes later. The goal is his 76th goal for Brazil, which keeps him just one more goal away from Pele’s all-time record for the Samba boys.

Richarlison got his third goal of the competition in the 29th minute, while Lucas Paqueta ensured that the game was already won for the South Americans in the 36th minute as Brazil went into halftime with a 4-0 lead.

The Brazilians are the first team to score four goals in the first half of a FIFA World Cup match since Germany did so in 2014 when they beat same Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals.

Paik Seung-ho scored a spectacular goal in the second half giving South Korea consolation as they headed out of the competition.

Brazil is now off to the quarterfinal to face Croatia, who got past another Asian team Japan on penalties after a 1-1 in 120 minutes.

On Tuesday, the round of 16 fixtures will continue, with Morocco facing Spain and Portugal against Switzerland.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu