Football World Cup: Brazil & Croatia Win
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Brazil 4
[Vinicius Junior 7, Neymar 13 pen, Richarlison 29, Lucas Paqueta 36]
South Korea 1
[Paik Seung-ho 76]
Brazil emphasised their credentials as World Cup favourites after an eye-catching victory over South Korea in the last 16 in Doha today
Brazil, who scored all their goals during a rampant first half, will face Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Vinicius Junior started the rout, finishing from Raphinha’s cross before Neymar doubled Brazil’s lead from the penalty spot.
It was Neymar’s 76th goal for his country, leaving him one behind Pele’s record.
Richarlison continued his rich vein of form with a sublime finish before Lucas Paqueta volleyed home Brazil’s fourth.
South Korea did manage a consolation goal in the second half when substitute Paik Seung-ho’s 30-yard strike beat Brazil goalkeeper Allison.
Japan 1
[Maeda 43]
Croatia 1
[Perisic 55]
Croatia win 3-1 on penalties
Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic saved three penalties in the shootout to help his side beat Japan to reach the quarter-finals.
After a 1-1 draw at extra-time, Livakovic emerged as his country’s hero, saving penalties from Takumi Minamino, Kaora Mitoma and Maya Yoshida.
Japan took the lead two minutes before half-time when Daizen Maeda finished from close range.
Croatia equalised in the second period thanks to a superb header from Ivan Perisic.
Tomorrow’s games
Last 16
Morocco v Spain, 11 am
Portugal v Switzerland 3 pm
