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Brazil delivered a statement performance in Seoul, dismantling South Korea 5-0 in an international friendly that highlighted Carlo Ancelotti’s growing influence on the Seleção. The rout, played under damp conditions at the World Cup Stadium, featured braces from teenage sensation Estêvão and Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, with Vinícius Júnior adding a late clincher. It marked Brazil’s most convincing win under the Italian coach and sparked immediate talk of extending his contract through the 2030 World Cup.
The match started brightly for Ancelotti’s side, who seized control early despite the tricky weather. Estêvão, the 17-year-old Palmeiras prospect, opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a sharp finish off a Bruno Guimarães assist, exposing defensive lapses from South Korea’s Kim Min-jae. Rodrygo doubled the lead just before halftime in the 41st minute, showcasing his quick feet and composure in the box.
The second half turned into a procession. Estêvão struck again three minutes after the break, capitalizing on another error, before Rodrygo completed his brace in the 49th minute through a swift counter. Vinícius Júnior, linking up seamlessly with his club teammate Rodrygo, sealed the victory in the 77th minute with a clinical low drive. Brazil dominated possession at 68% and fired off 18 shots, leaving South Korea’s stand-in captain Son Heung-min unable to mount a response.
This result caps a strong run for Ancelotti, with three wins in his last five games at the helm. Coming off a disappointing Copa América and uneven World Cup qualifiers, the performance signals a tactical shift toward fluid, youth-driven attacks blended with European discipline. Midfield anchor Bruno Guimarães orchestrated play expertly, while defender Éder Militão kept a clean sheet with solid organization.
Rodrygo, speaking post-match, summed up the mood: “We’re on a great path to the World Cup.” His words echoed the optimism rippling through Brazilian football circles, where Ancelotti’s man-management has already earned praise. The coach singled out Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha for his mobility in midfield, calling him “very mobile” and a key cog in the pressing game.
The victory has fueled contract talks. Brazilian officials are pushing to renew Ancelotti’s deal before next year’s World Cup and extend it past 2030, impressed by how he’s integrated stars like Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Estêvão into a cohesive unit.
Player ratings underscored the dominance: Estêvão earned a 9/10 for his brace and constant threat, Rodrygo an 8.5 for his clinical finishing, and Ancelotti’s tactics a perfect 10 for blending flair with ruthlessness. South Korea, meanwhile, struggled without key players and managed just 32% possession, raising questions ahead of their Asian qualifiers.
For Brazil, this friendly serves as a timely boost before resuming CONMEBOL qualifying in November. With talents like Estêvão emerging alongside established names, Ancelotti’s Brazil looks primed to challenge for a sixth World Cup title in 2026. The message from Seoul was clear: the Seleção is back, and they’re building for the long haul.
