Brazil 3-0 Korea Republic
Brazil put on a typically attacking show for an expectant crowd at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi to beat Korea Republic, 3-0.
The international friendly Brazil vs Korea was a chance for Tite’s side to win for the first time in six matches and boy, did they take it! Two first-half goals courtesy of Lucas Paqueta and Philippe Coutinho took the game away from the Koreans and when Danilo made it three on the hour, that was the icing on the cake.
With Europe’s best sides lining themselves up for Euro 2020, Brazil remain the biggest South American challenger for the World Cup 2022, and this win sent a reminder to Europe.
The Selecao sit in third place in the World FIFA rankings, sandwiched between France and England, with Belgium leading the pack.
Meanwhile, Korea Republic are down in 39th position. They have been strong defensively since knocking Germany out in the group stages of Russia 2018, but Tite’s attacking team had quality to spare.
Highlights of the game
Gabriel Jesus missed a penalty as Brazil lost to Argentina last Friday, and he was given an immediate chance to make amends with a start alongside Luca Paqueta and Philippe Coutinho, in an advanced three just behind striker Richarlison.
This attacking quartet set about the Koreans immediately, going ahead on nine minutes. Renan Lodi put a superb cross into a dangerous area, and Milan’s Paqueta was there to head into the bottom left corner.
Korea’s star man, Spurs’ striker Heung-Min Son, came close to hitting back five minutes later. He took a pass from Jung Woo-Young and forced Alisson to make a good save in the bottom-left corner.
Then, after Danilo had fouled Kim Jin-Su, Son came close against from the free-kick but his shot whistled past the right-hand post.
When Liverpool’s Fabinho surged into the Korea half, he was upended by Hwang Ui-Jo, and that gave Coutinho a tempting chance with the free-kick. He took full advantage as he fed his shot into the top-right corner, giving keeper Hyung-Woo Cho no chance.
Son had the first attempt of the second half, but he shot high and wide. Brazil’s two goal-scorers then combined well, but Paqueta headed Coutinho’s cross inches over the bar.
On the hour, though, it was game over. Lodi picked up his second assist of the game, teeing up Danilo, who unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top left corner.
The Samba Boys went on the hunt for a fourth. Richarlison and Jesus both came close, and Arthur brought a fine save from Cho when he arrowed a shot towards the bottom corner. With less than 10 minutes remaining Tito gave Roberto Firmino a runout and the substitute almost set up a goal for Richarlison, but the Everton striker fired wide.
As the game swung from end to end, the Koreans didn’t give up hope of a consolation, but Hwang-In-Beom too was just off target.
Key statistics
Most Brazil vs Korea predictions were always going to go with the Selecao in a game like this, even though Brazil hadn’t won in five friendlies since the Copa America in July. Tite’s side was held by both Nigeria and Senegal recently and lost to Messi’s Argentina last week.
But in an open game, the Selecao dominated possession and won the shot count by 16 to 12. They were also more ruthless when the chances came, with two superb strikes and a clinical header.
The head-to-head Brazil vs Korea results are now five to one in Brazil’s favour. South Korea last won in 1999, while this was the first time these two teams had met outside South Korea.
Defeat for Korea was only their second in 23 games and the first since losing the Asia Cup quarter-final against Qatar earlier this year.
What’s next?
There’s plenty coming up for SBOBET football fans as Brazil’s stars return to Europe for domestic action and, in particular, to the Premier League, where Liverpool and Manchester City’s Samba boys return to what is promising to be another exciting title race.
The Reds beat the Sky Blues 3-1 last week to go nine points clear and so Pep Guardiola’s team is on the chase.
Son will return to Spurs as the North London side tries to get its season going. Korea Republic will be back in action in March with a World Cup qualifying match at home to Turkmenistan, before heading to Sri Lanka in the same month.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
