‘How football is meant to be played’

Brazil have been lauded for their ‘fantastic’ victory over South Korea which has been described as a ‘joy’ and a ‘pleasure’ to watch.

With World Cup royalty in Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Cafu and Robertlo Carlos in attendance at Stadium 974, the current crop of Samba stars put on a brilliant show which would’ve triggered memories of those who watched the classic Brazil sides where Pele starred.

Tite’s squad set up a quarter-final clash against Croatia after beating South Korea 4-1 – with all of their goals coming inside the opening 36 minutes.

Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all got on the score sheet in what was a dazzling display synonymous of Joga Bonito.

It was also performance that Brazil’s top scorer Pele would be watching with a smile on his face as Neymar moved to within one goal of his record.

The players also showed their class after they match as they held up a banner for the 82-year-old on the pitch to show their support with the three-time World Cup winner in hospital with a respiratory infection.

talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham and Dean Ashton were full of compliments for Brazil, who blew away their opponents in a devastating first-half display.

Giving his analysis of the match during half-time, Durham said: “Well I hope Pele is watching this, it’ll be just the tonic he needs.

“We promised you it’d be fun, it’s been one-sided fun, but it has been fun. Brazil – five-time world champions – suddenly look like they can make it six.

“Hard work is the foundation, they drop into a solid 4-4-2 in those rare moments where they don’t have the ball.

“At times though in possession, it’s 3-2-5, it’s fantastic to watch, one-touch, smart running, clever passing, sweet finishing, it looked so, so good on the eye.

“What about Thiago Silva with that assist [for Richarlison’s goal]? Just unbelievable, it deserved to be served with a glass of champagne it was that good.

“Paqueta – his twin brother has signed for West ham I think! More goals for Brazil than West Ham this season.

“Richarlison, looking like a Brazilian great. Vinicius Jr started it all off, took his time, found his spot.

“Neymar, well he danced around that penalty didn’t he? He’s off the mark at this World Cup.

“It’s real football, this is how it’s meant to be played. They’re having a kickabout! Flicks and tricks with their mates on the Copacabana Beach.

“It’s strictly come football and the celebrations as artistic as that football.”

Ashton added: “A pleasure, an absolute pleasure to watch. To be here, to witness the joys of football.

“The freedom of football that it can bring when players with the talent that the Brazilians have are allowed – and they have been allowed by the way by South Korea – to entertain us and play the way that they feel, it’s just been magnificent.

“The movement, the touch, the quality the clinicalness, its just been gorgeous.”

Durham continued: “It’s just been such a joy to watch, it brings a smile to your face, it brings you out of your seat. It’s a privilege to be here to see it as well.”

Ashton then rounded off the analysis by adding: “Brazil are wonderful, when they’re in that mood, any team would struggle.”