PREVIEW: World Cup – Round of 16 – Brazil v Republic of Korea

How Brazil display their on-field brilliance is eagerly anticipated by football fans across the globe, and that is what viewers were holding their breath to witness. Slapped with the label of tournament favourites and synonymously to top Group G, Seleção have lived up to their title.

Brazil faced Serbia in matchday one and opened their account with a 2-0 victory and their infamous number nine jersey – worn by Richarlison – scored arguably the goal of the tournament. All the hype seemed to be backed up with the South Americans on field play and when they encountered their second matchup, Switzerland, they went on to dismantle them, but did leave it a little late to win 1-0.

Heading into their final group stage tie, Brazil had yet to face a shot on goal and secured qualification before facing Cameroon, however, they suffered a 1-0 defeat via a second half additional time goal.

Head coach Tite had some tough decisions to make heading into the World Cup and was slated for some exclusions, but his side have come to the party. Having already secured qualification the head coach handed out opportunities to players who are considered bench players against Cameroon. Many players did not raise their hands, albeit youngster Gabrielle Martinelli, but him stealing Vinicius Juniors’ spot down the left flank is extremely unlikely.

Starman Neymar is still a major doubt, and it seems as though Tite favours Fred to play over Bruno Guimarães. More worryingly, Alex Sandro underwent a hip scan after the Swiss encounter and fill in left-back Alex Telles was also forced off in tears after an awkward landing.

For Brazilian players, you can win every domestic trophy under the sun, but the only honour that matters is the World Cup trophy, and for Neymar and co. to cement their legacy, a victory on the continental stage is an obligation.

With a number of shocking results in this Qatar 2022 World Cup South Korea progressing to the round of 16 is up there. The Asian nation had to overcome tough opposition to book their spot in the round of 16.

The Asian side led by Son Heung-Min opened their Group H encounter unimpressively drawing with Uruguay and failing to register a shot on target. They went on to face Ghana taking the lead 2-1 in the 61st minute but were undone just seven minutes later losing 3-2.

Heading into their final and toughest matchup against Portugal, the Taegeuk Warriors were reliant on a few permutations. Firstly, the toughest task was to defeat Portugal, followed by Uruguay defeating Ghana, and what a night of football it was. A late Hwang Hee-Chan stoppage time goal earned a historic 2-1 victory and slotted them in the round of 16.

Paul Bento’s side have showed the fighting spirit of Asian nations which in my opinion derives from their culturally cohesive ideology that translates to the field. However, individual quality in football is still heavily relied upon. Everyone is fit and rearing to go for Korea and while four of their players have a yellow card looming over their heads should they qualify; all cards will be scratched heading into the next round.

South Korea have qualified for the round of 16 for only the second time in their history. In 2010, the Asian nation booked their spot finishing second in a group with Argentina, Nigeria, and Greece. They were defeated 2-1 by Uruguay then, and now they must overcome a seemingly insurmountable task.