Brazil vs. South Korea: Why to expect second-half goals in last-16 clash

Brazil will continue their quest for a sixth World Cup when they take on South Korea in the last-16 stage of the competition on Monday evening.

A Selecao suffered a 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in their final group fixture on Friday, but they still finished at the top of Group G, boasting six points from their three matches.

South Korea, meanwhile, recorded a 2-1 victory over Portugal on Friday to secure second position in Group H behind Portugal, with Paulo Bento's side advancing to the last 16.

Brazil are seen by many to be the favourites for the trophy, and they are set to be boosted by the return of star player Neymar from an ankle problem for this match.

The five-time world champions have won six of their previous seven matches against South Korea, who have never beaten a South American side at the World Cup.

Somewhat surprisingly, Brazil have failed to score in the first half of any of their last five matches at the World Cup, which is their joint-longest run of games without managing to register in the opening 45 minutes in the international competition.

What's more, eleven of South Korea's last 12 goals at the World Cup have arrived in the second half of matches, with four of the last seven coming in either the 90th minute or stoppage time. As a result, second-half goals are to be expected in this contest.

South Korea were on the verge of being eliminated against Portugal last time out, but Hwang Hee-chan came off the bench to register the winner in the 91st minute of the match.

Brazil, meanwhile, scored twice in the second half against Serbia in their first match, with Richarlison netting a brace for Tite's side.

A Selecao then beat Switzerland courtesy of an 83rd-minute strike from Casemiro, so it would not be a surprise to be plenty of second-half action in Monday's last-16 affair between Brazil and South Korea.

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