Brazil are the first side to score four goals in the first half of a World Cup knockout game since Germany did so against them in the 2014 semi-finalBrazil delivered an ominous message to their World Cup rivals with a dazzling display of attacking brilliance to dismantle South Korea and set up a quarter-final against Croatia.
Neymar made a goalscoring return to action after injury at Stadium 974, but Brazil's superstar was only one element of a devastating performance that ripped South Korea to shreds and settled this last-16 game well before half-time.
Vinicius Junior set the tone with a composed penalty-area finish from Raphinha's cross after seven minutes, and Neymar doubled Brazil's advantage from the spot six minutes later fouling a foul on Richarlison.
It was Neymar's 76th goal for Brazil, leaving him just one behind the legendary Pele's all-time record.
Richarlison then added to his personal showreel of great goals at this World Cup when he followed his spectacular volley against Serbia with a real work of art, controlling the ball three times with his head and foot before moving into position take Thiago Silva's pass in his stride and score.
Brazil went four up with another gem after 36 minutes, Vinicius picking out Lucas Paqueta for West Ham's expensive acquisition to score with a well-placed volley.
South Korea, to their great credit, continued to compete and forced several fine saves from Brazil keeper Alisson, before substitute Paik Seung-ho pulled one back with a glorious 30-yard strike to add to the night's collection of special goals.
Brazil set World Cup standard
Lucas Paqueta scored his first goal in the 2022 World CupFor 45 minutes at Stadium 974, Brazil hit heights no other team has reached at this World Cup, demonstrating the level that will be required to overcome Tite's team, producing a collection of goals constructed in their country's best traditions.
And it was all achieved with the smooth freedom of expression that is Brazil's trademark, a four-goal half-time advantage going some way to demonstrating their supremacy.
Richarlison's goal was a golden moment of the tournament, followed by a team dance that rather incongruously included coach Tite.
Neymar eased himself back into action with silky touches and his goal, before being replaced late on after proving his fitness following the ankle injury sustained against Serbia that forced him out of two group games.
He is part of a potent Brazil attacking triumvirate alongside Richarlison and Vinicius, both on the scoresheet and both making a serious mark on this World Cup.
Tite was so comfortable with Brazil's position that he was able to give Alisson a rest and send on third-choice keeper Weverton for World Cup action.
Brazil will now be heavy favourites against Croatia after putting down a marker with the best display - or at least 45 minutes before they eased up - by any team in Qatar so far.
Alisson shows class to deny South Korea
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson was substituted in the 80th minute after an impressive performanceBrazil's three-goal victory margin was convincing and deserved, but there was another aspect to this win that showed just how strong Tite's squad is.
South Korea may have been outclassed for large parts of the game but they still had plenty of chances, only to run into one of the world's outstanding goalkeepers in Liverpool's Alisson.
For all the understandable attention on Neymar and his attacking cohorts, Brazil have a last line of defence that stands comparison with anyone at this tournament, with Manchester City's Ederson another world-class deputy and Weverton getting action here.
South Korea never gave up trying to create opportunities but Alisson was outstanding, tipping over a long-range effort from Hwang Hee-chan before reacting quickly to block him after the break. He also raced off his line to block Tottenham's Son Heung-min when he was clean through.
Brazil may be full of attacking options but they also have the protection of Alisson, who has taken his outstanding form at club level this season on to the World Cup stage.
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Line-ups
Brazil
Formation 4-2-3-1
1Alisson
14Militão4Marquinhos3Thiago Silva2Danilo
7Lucas Paquetá5Casemiro
11Raphinha10Neymar20Vinícius Júnior
9Richarlison
1AlissonSubstituted forWevertonat 80'minutes14MilitãoSubstituted forAlves da Silvaat 63'minutes4Marquinhos3Thiago Silva2DaniloSubstituted forBremerat 72'minutes7Lucas Paquetá5Casemiro11Raphinha10NeymarSubstituted forRodrygoat 81'minutes20Vinícius JúniorSubstituted forMartinelliat 72'minutes9RicharlisonSubstitutes
8Fred12Weverton13Alves da Silva15Fabinho17Bruno Guimarães19Antony21Rodrygo22Éverton Ribeiro23Ederson24Bremer25Pedro26MartinelliSouth Korea
Formation 4-4-2
1Kim Seung-gyu
15Kim Moon-hwan4Kim Min-jae19Kim Young-gwon3Kim Jin-su
10Lee Jae-sung5Jung Woo-young6Hwang In-beom11Hwang Hee-chan
9Cho Gue-sung7Son Heung-min
1Kim Seung-gyu15Kim Moon-hwan4Kim Min-jae19Kim Young-gwon3Kim Jin-suSubstituted forHong Chulat 45'minutes10Lee Jae-sungSubstituted forLee Kang-inat 74'minutes5Jung Woo-youngBooked at 44minsSubstituted forSon Jun-hoat 45'minutes6Hwang In-beomSubstituted forPaik Seung-hoat 65'minutes11Hwang Hee-chan9Cho Gue-sungSubstituted forHwang Ui-joat 80'minutes7Son Heung-minSubstitutes
2Yoon Jong-gyu8Paik Seung-ho12Song Bum-keun13Son Jun-ho14Hong Chul16Hwang Ui-jo17Na Sang-ho18Lee Kang-in20Kwon Kyung-won21Cho Hyun-woo22Kwon Chang-hoon23Kim Tae-hwan24Cho Yu-min25Jeong Woo-yeong26Song Min-kyuReferee:Clément TurpinAttendance:43,847Live Text
Match ends, Brazil 4, Korea Republic 1.
Second Half ends, Brazil 4, Korea Republic 1.
Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Foul by Son Jun-Ho (Korea Republic).
Attempt missed. Dani Alves (Brazil) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Rodrygo.
Attempt missed. Hwang Hee-Chan (Korea Republic) right footed shot from the right side of the box is high and wide to the right. Assisted by Hong Chul.
Attempt missed. Bremer (Brazil) header from very close range is high and wide to the left. Assisted by Raphinha with a cross following a corner.
Corner, Brazil. Conceded by Hong Chul.
Attempt blocked. Dani Alves (Brazil) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Gabriel Martinelli.
Casemiro (Brazil) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Paik Seung-Ho (Korea Republic).
Substitution, Brazil. Rodrygo replaces Neymar.
Substitution, Brazil. Weverton replaces Alisson.
Substitution, Korea Republic. Hwang Ui-Jo replaces Cho Gue-Sung.
Offside, Korea Republic. Kim Min-Jae tries a through ball, but Cho Gue-Sung is caught offside.
Gabriel Martinelli (Brazil) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Foul by Hwang Hee-Chan (Korea Republic).
Goal! Brazil 4, Korea Republic 1. Paik Seung-Ho (Korea Republic) left footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner following a set piece situation.
Cho Gue-Sung (Korea Republic) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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