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Martinelli's Brazil reach quarter-finals in style

Gabriel Martinelli in action for Brazil against South Korea

Gabriel Martinelli made his third appearance at the 2022 World Cup during Brazil's emphatic 4-1 win over South Korea in the round of 16.

The attacker entered the fray in the 72nd minute, having watched a dazzling display by his teammates as they put their opponents to the sword, netting four times in the first 36 minutes to cruise into a quarter-final showdown with Croatia.

The rout began with a sublime finish from Vinicius Jr on seven minutes, before the returning Neymar netted a penalty six minutes later. Well-worked goals from Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta added further gloss to the scoreline, as the Selecao marched into the last eight.

Martinelli came on for Vinicius Jr during the second half, and despite Paik Seung-ho netting a fine consolation, it was a night of celebration for Tite's team at Stadium 974.

They will now face Croatia on Friday, December 9 with a spot in the semi-finals on the line, after they knocked out Takehiro Tomiyasu's Japan on penalties following a 1-1 draw earlier on Monday.