After victories over Serbia (2:0) and Switzerland (1:0) and with certainty of progress, Brazilian coach Tite could use substitutes for the last match of Group G. Although the South Americans lost against Cameroon 0: 1, still held the lead of the peloton by one point.
Forward Gabriel Jesus and left-back Alex Telles will not play again in Qatar due to knee injuries. The other full-backs Alex Sandro and Danilo are also in difficulty. That leaves 39-year-old Daniel Alves, who became the oldest Brazilian to start the World Cup against Cameroon, on the edge of defence.
Against Korea, coach Tite will only have five perfectly healthy defenders, including four stoppers.
Neymar is recovering in the poolvideo: Reuters
Neymar injured his ankle at the start of the World Cup, but his debut in the round of 16 is not excluded. The 30-year-old forward practiced with the ball for the first time on Saturday and posted on social media that he was feeling fine. According to the team doctor, his appointment for the match will be decided shortly before the match.
The five-time world champions would repeat last season’s performance in Russia by advancing to the quarter-finals. They are waiting for the title 20 years after the tournament in Japan and Korea, where the home team also shone. Korea finished fourth, the only move by an Asian team to the semi-finals.
Portuguese coach Paul Bento’s team only made it to the round of 16 thanks to a goal from substitute Hwang Hi-chan in preparation for the duel with Portugal (2:1). After an earlier goalless draw with Uruguay and a 2-3 defeat by Ghana, it only took four points and a slightly better score to move from second place in Group H. Uruguay failed to add another goal in the frantic final and defeated Ghana only 2-0.
Mister Bento, who will return after a disciplinary punishment, will be on the bench again during the duel with Brazil. Korea will look to improve on their unflattering head-to-head record, beating Brazil just once and losing six times. The last time the teams met was in June in Seoul, the “Canaries” won 5:1.
