Brazil Crushes South Korea 5-0 as Estevao and Rodrygo Net Doubles

When Estevao, forward for Chelsea Football Club and Rodrygo, forward at Real Madrid Club de Fútbol each hit two goals, Brazil turned a friendly into a statement, routing the hosts 5‑0 at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Friday evening.

Why the match mattered

The game was billed as a warm‑up for the 2026 FIFA World CupNorth America, but for Brazil it also offered a chance to erase the sting of a woeful away record – just three wins in their last twelve trips.

South Korea, meanwhile, wanted to prove they could still host the world’s biggest showcase after a memorable 4‑1 loss in Qatar’s 2022 knockout stage.

Match timeline and key moments

Lights flickered against a drizzle‑slicked pitch as a packed crowd of exactly 66,000 braced for the kickoff. The early rain made the ball tumble unpredictably, but Brazil’s rhythm was unmistakable.

• 11′ – Bruno Guimarães threaded a perfect pass to Estevao, who side‑footed the ball into the net.
• 18′ – Casemiro saw his strike ruled out for off‑side, a rare blip in an otherwise fluid half.
• 27′ – Rodrygo’s low effort forced a fingertip save from Jo Hyeon‑woo, the Korean goalkeeper.
• 41′ – The first half ended 2‑0 after Casemiro’s slick through‑ball found Rodrygo, who curled a right‑footed shot into the bottom corner.
• 47′ – Back on the pitch, Estevao capitalised on a defensive slip by Kim Min‑jae, the Bayern Munich defender, and slotted home his second.
• ~50′ – Rodrygo struck again, this time unmarked inside the box, pushing the tally to 4‑0.
• ~58′ – The fifth goal arrived from a swift counter‑attack; the scorer wasn’t highlighted in the match report, leaving a small mystery in an otherwise tidy victory.

The dry air after the rain seemed to favor Brazil’s fluid passing, while South Korea never quite found a rhythm.

Player performances that stood out

Estevao’s brace highlighted his growing importance at Chelsea. His movement off the ball reminded fans of a younger Cristiano Ronaldo – quick, anticipatory, and always ready to pounce.

Rodrygo, long touted as the next big thing at Real Madrid, showed composure beyond his 22 years. He drifted into the box with the elegance of a seasoned striker, finishing both chances with minimal fuss.

Midfield engine Casemiro pulled the strings, delivering the decisive pass for Rodrygo’s first goal and constantly breaking up any Korean counter‑attack.

For South Korea, goalkeeper Jo Hyeon‑woo made a handful of heroic saves, yet the defensive lapses, especially the mis‑communication involving Kim Min‑jae, proved too costly.

Reactions from the dugouts and the stands

Brazil’s coach, Tite, praised his squad’s attacking intent but warned against complacency. “We need to translate this fluency into the qualifying rounds,” he said after the match.

South Korean manager Jürgen Klinsmann (yes, the former German star now directing the KFA) acknowledged the defensive shortcomings and promised a quicker tactical tweak before the next Asian qualifier.

Fans in Seoul were split – some cheered the high‑octane football, while others muttered about the missed opportunity to finally beat Brazil on home soil.

What the result means for the 2026 World Cup campaign

Brazil’s win gives a morale boost but does little to change their standing in CONMEBOL, where they sit fifth and must still navigate an inter‑continental playoff. Still, scoring five without reply shows they can dominate when everything clicks.

For South Korea, the loss is a sobering reminder that the Asian qualifying path is unforgiving. Their next fixture against Japan will be a litmus test for whether tweaks in defensive organisation can stop a world‑class attack.

Historical backdrop: Brazil vs. Korea

The two nations have met sparingly, with Brazil generally holding the upper hand. The 2022 World Cup round‑of‑16 saw Brazil win 4‑1 in Qatar – a match that still haunts Korean supporters.

Back in 2002, Brazil’s legendary squad also brushed past South Korea 2‑0 in the group stage, further cementing the South American giant’s dominance.

Yet each encounter has also been a showcase for Korean talent, with players like Son Heung‑min later moving to the Premier League and earning worldwide acclaim.

Key facts at a glance

• Final score: Brazil 5 – 0 South Korea
• Goal scorers: Estevao (2), Rodrygo (2), unknown (1)
• Attendance: 66,000 spectators
• Venue: Seoul World Cup Stadium, Seoul, South Korea
• Weather: Wet, light rain
• Implication: Brazil’s away win improves confidence ahead of 2026 qualifiers; South Korea must regroup before AFC playoffs