Preview: FIFA World Cup Last 16: BRA v SKA

Round of 16

Brazil v South Korea 

21:00 kick-off 

Match background 

It was at the 2002 FIFA World Cup that Brazil beat joint hosts South Korea and went on to win their record world title, but haven’t reached those heights since. Can this be a good omen for the Seleção?

They face a team that has been improving as the tournament progresses, claiming the big scalp of Portugal in the final round of the group stage to secure second spot ahead of Ghana and Uruguay when most neutrals had written them off.

While the Tigers of Asia were creating that bit of history, Brazil also suffered a rare defeat against an African team in Cameroon, leading to questions over coach Tite’s decision to make nine changes to his starting line-up.

The idea was to rest key players and introduce those on the fringes, but that may even have a lasting effect on the team’s confidence heading into this evening’s knockout tie.

Team News

Brazil 

Neymar is expected back, coach Tite told journalists at his pre-match news conference in Qatar, which comes as a huge boost for the South Americans.

The PSG striker suffered an ankle injury in the group opener against Serbia and was subsequently ruled out of the two proceeding matches against Switzerland as well as the 1-0 loss to the Indomitable Lions last Friday.

“Neymar will train today in the afternoon and if he trains well he will play,” the coach was confident in his update. 

But with one important player back in contention, the downside is that two others have been told their World Cup has ended – defender Alex Telles and striker Gabriel Jesus will play no further part should Brazil progress further in the tournament.

South Korea 

The underdogs say they are unfazed. But coach Paulo Bento has questioned the turnaround time of playing games at the FIFA World Cup as they prepared for tonight’s clash. 

His side beat Portugal to book a ticket in the round of 16 last Friday and now, just three days later, they take on a team as potent as the five-time world champions.

“In my opinion, I don't think it's fair to play games after just 72 hours,” bemoaned Bento, before adding that they were hoping Neymar wouldn’t be fully fit.

Players to watch

Casemiro 

Age: 30

Caps/Goals: 67/6

Rested in the defeat against the Indomitable Lions, it was evident that Casemiro left a void in the Brazil midfield and his return is sure to be impactful for Tite’s side.

He was vital in their 2-0 win over Serbia, in what was an ideal start to the tournament against a credible opponent, and followed that up by scoring the winning goal when they faced Switzerland a few days later. 

Not only will the Braziiansl rely on the 30-year-old for his experience but how he dictates things in the transition between defense and attack will be a crucial.

Gue-sung Cho 

Age: 24

Caps/Goals: 18/6

The striker had played just 16 minutes in the first game in Qatar but coach Bento had a change of heart soon after. 

Cho subsequently rewarded the decision with two goals when he started against Ghana, helping them come from behind to clinch the tie 3-2 and give them a fighting chance to progress to the last 16 by the time they faced Portugal.

He is a key player for South Korea alongside captain Heung-min Son.