SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – Brazil defeated South Korea 5-0 in Seoul on Friday in a prelude to next year’s World Cup, with two goals apiece from Estebao and Rodrygo.
Brazil, who defeated South Korea 4-1 at the 2022 World Cup, once again proved too strong for the hosts in a friendly that was watched by 66,000 fans at a rainy Seoul World Cup Stadium. Brazil achieved their third win in 12 away games.
Brazil, which finished fifth in qualifying for the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, took the lead in the 11th minute when Bruno Guimarães beat the Korean defense with a pass to Estevao. The Chelsea forward scored from close range. Seven minutes later, Casemiro’s goal was ruled out for offside, and just before the half-hour mark, Rodrygo’s low shot was saved by goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo.
Four minutes before half-time, Brazil extended their lead to two points with a brilliant move. Casemiro found Rodrygo in the box and the Real Madrid star curled a shot into the bottom corner to make it 2-0.
Two minutes into the second half, Estevao added his second goal after jumping on a mistake by Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae near the edge of the area. Rodrigo struck again soon after, scoring a free from inside the box to make it 4-0.
Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior’s 77th-minute goal sealed a dominant performance by the five-time world champions, making it a miserable night for the hosts who did little to trouble Brazil’s backline.
Brazil will play Japan on Tuesday, who drew 2-2 with Paraguay on Friday.
Miguel Almiron gave Osaka the lead in the 21st minute, and Koki Ogawa equalized shortly after. Diego Gomez restored Paraguay’s lead shortly after the end, but Ayase Ueda restored the draw with a 94th-minute goal.
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