Korea Overwhelmed by Brazil in Sellout Friendly

Korea lost to Brazil 5-1 in a friendly match at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Thursday, ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in November.

A sellout crowd of 64,827 fans packed the stadium for the friendly and enjoyed the performances of world-class players including Neymar of Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min, who became the first Asian to be named the top scorer in the English Premier League in the recently concluded season.

It was uncertain whether Neymar would be able to play as he complained of pain in his right foot during training on the previous day and even posted a picture of his swollen foot on social media. But he took the field and wowed the spectators with dazzling dribbles and accurate passes before being replaced in the 78th minute.

Brazil pressed hard and dominated from the start, with Korea, overwhelmed by their opponents, giving the ball away too often.

Korea allowed the opening goal to Richarlison of Everton in the sixth minute, but Hwang Ui-jo of FC Girondins de Bordeaux equalized in the 30th. However, Korea conceded penalties in the 41st and 56th minutes, which were converted by Neymar. It then allowed two more goals to Philippe Countinho of Aston Villa in the 79th minute and to Gabriel Jesus of Manchester City in injury time.

Also attending the game were former Korean national team manager Guus Hiddink and 2002 World Cup heroes including Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors adviser Park Ji-sung and Gangwon FC CEO Lee Young-pyo.

Hiddink is in Korea to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2002 World Cup, where the country finished in fourth place, the best result it has ever achieved at the quadrennial event. The Dutch coach is reuniting with former World Cup stars for the anniversary celebrations scheduled for June 1 through 6.