Brazil 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.

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 for 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 to 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

For 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 a taste of 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 outstanding as Brazil also shine in defence

Brazil'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 best 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 a world-class deputy and Weverton seeing 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, and racing off his line to thwart 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 stage.

Player of the match

Vinícius JúniorVinícius Júnior

with an average of 7.59

Brazil

1. Squad number20Player nameVinícius Júnior

   Average rating

   7.59

2. Squad number1Player nameAlisson

   Average rating

   7.14

3. Squad number9Player nameRicharlison

   Average rating

   7.07

4. Squad number10Player nameNeymar

   Average rating

   6.96

5. Squad number3Player nameThiago Silva

   Average rating

   6.90

6. Squad number11Player nameRaphinha

   Average rating

   6.82

7. Squad number5Player nameCasemiro

   Average rating

   6.81

8. Squad number7Player nameLucas Paquetá

   Average rating

   6.72

9. Squad number4Player nameMarquinhos

   Average rating

   6.50

10. Squad number26Player nameGabriel Martinelli

    Average rating

    6.40

11. Squad number13Player nameDani Alves

    Average rating

    6.29

12. Squad number14Player nameÉder Militão

    Average rating

    6.26

13. Squad number12Player nameWeverton

    Average rating

    6.17

14. Squad number2Player nameDanilo

    Average rating

    6.17

15. Squad number21Player nameRodrygo

    Average rating

    6.02

16. Squad number24Player nameBremer

    Average rating

    5.95

South Korea

1. Squad number7Player nameSon Heung-min

   Average rating

   6.78

2. Squad number8Player namePaik Seung-ho

   Average rating

   6.47

3. Squad number11Player nameHwang Hee-chan

   Average rating

   6.46

4. Squad number16Player nameHwang Ui-jo

   Average rating

   6.28

5. Squad number18Player nameLee Kang-in

   Average rating

   6.19

6. Squad number9Player nameCho Gue-sung

   Average rating

   6.09

7. Squad number13Player nameSon Jun-ho

   Average rating

   6.07

8. Squad number14Player nameHong Chul

   Average rating

   5.90

9. Squad number6Player nameHwang In-beom

   Average rating

   5.86

10. Squad number5Player nameJung Woo-young

    Average rating

    5.79

11. Squad number4Player nameKim Min-jae

    Average rating

    5.73

12. Squad number10Player nameLee Jae-sung

    Average rating

    5.71

13. Squad number1Player nameKim Seung-gyu

    Average rating

    5.69

14. Squad number3Player nameKim Jin-su

    Average rating

    5.69

15. Squad number19Player nameKim Young-gwon

    Average rating

    5.66

16. Squad number15Player nameKim Moon-hwan

    Average rating

    5.61

Get the latest results and goal notifications for any team at the Fifa World Cup by downloading the BBC Sport app: Apple

- Android

- Amazon

Get your daily dose of Fifa World Cup reaction, debate & analysis with World Cup Daily on BBC Sounds

Read More