Hong's Squad Helpless Against Brazil's Firepower in 0-5 Defeat (Comprehensive)

Son Heungmin Sets All-Time Appearance Record for South Korea, but Registers 'Zero Shots'
Only One Shot on Target for Korea... Rodrygo and Estevao Score Twice Each

The South Korean national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat against the Brazil national team, whom they faced for the first time in nearly three years.

On October 10 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Hong's squad lost 0-5 in a friendly match against Brazil. The South Korean team conceded two goals in the first half and three more in the second half, collapsing in a disappointing fashion. For Brazil, Rodrygo and Estevao each scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added one goal.

The Brazilian attacking trio of Rodrygo, Vinicius, and Estevao dismantled the South Korean defense with quick, well-organized attacks and sharp finishing. South Korea conceded two goals in the first half, and then quickly allowed two more within the first four minutes of the second half due to consecutive defensive errors, leading to their own downfall.

While Lee Kang-in managed to control the ball reliably in midfield against the Brazilian players and showed some impressive moments, South Korea failed to create any significant attacking opportunities. The team’s offense was inefficient, with Kim Jingyu recording the only shot on target for South Korea in the 20th minute of the second half.

South Korean national soccer team players express disappointment after conceding a goal during the friendly match against the Brazil national soccer team held on the 10th at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Photo by Yonhap News

Captain Son Heung-min made his 137th appearance for the national team, surpassing both coach Hong Myung-bo and former national team coach Cha Bum-kun (each with 136 matches) to set a new record for the most international caps by a South Korean player. However, he failed to register a shot before being substituted in the 18th minute of the second half.

Son Heung-min started as part of the attacking line alongside Lee Jaesung and Lee Kang-in. Baek Seungho and Hwang Inbeom anchored the midfield, while Kim Minjae, Kim Juseong, and Cho Yumin formed the back three. Lee Taeseok and Seol Youngwoo played as wing-backs, and Jo Hyunwoo guarded the goal.

Brazil threatened South Korea’s goal early, with Rodrygo and Vinicius taking shots in the 4th and 10th minutes of the first half, respectively, before scoring their first goal in the 13th minute. Bruno Guimaraes delivered a precise through ball, and Estevao made a run to calmly slot the ball into the net with his right foot.

In the 17th minute, Estevao earned a foul on the right flank from Kim Juseong and took the resulting free kick himself. Casemiro headed Estevao’s free kick into the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

In the 20th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in attempted a long pass from just below the halfway line to Son Heung-min up front. Although it did not reach Son, the Brazilian defense cleared the ball, resulting in a corner kick for South Korea. The team earned two consecutive corners and tried to attack but failed to produce any results.

South Korea conceded another goal in the 41st minute of the first half. Vinicius made a deep run down the left and attempted a cutback. Rodrygo pretended to receive the pass and let the ball run through, and Casemiro made a one-touch pass back to Rodrygo, who then feinted past a defender and scored with his right foot.

Coach Hong Myung-bo tried to change the momentum at the start of the second half by substituting Castro for Hwang Inbeom, but consecutive defensive errors rendered this effort ineffective.

At the start of the second half, Brazil’s Matheus Cunha fired a sharp mid-range shot, ramping up the pressure. Shortly after, Kim Minjae made a mistake while receiving the ball, which Estevao intercepted and immediately converted into Brazil's third goal-just two minutes into the second half. Only two minutes later, South Korea conceded a fourth goal, again losing possession under intense Brazilian pressure in their own defensive area, with Rodrygo scoring his second goal thanks to an assist from Vinicius.

Korean national football team captain Son Heung-min is greeting fans after the friendly match against the Brazil national football team held on the 10th at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Mapo-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

In the 18th minute of the second half, coach Hong Myung-bo substituted Son Heung-min, Lee Jaesung, and Kim Minjae with Oh Hyungyu, Kim Jingyu, and Park Jinseop. Kim Jingyu attempted a mid-range shot immediately after coming on, but it was caught by the opposing goalkeeper. This was South Korea’s only shot on target in the match.

In the 31st minute of the second half, Won Dujae replaced Baek Seungho, but South Korea conceded their fifth goal shortly after, allowing Vinicius to score on a sharp counterattack.

In the 36th minute of the second half, Lee Dongkyung replaced Lee Kang-in, but the match ended without any further change in momentum.

South Korea faced Brazil for the first time in nearly three years since their 1-4 defeat in the Round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. With this match, South Korea has now lost six consecutive games against Brazil, with an all-time record of one win and eight losses. Their only victory came in a 1-0 home friendly in March 1999.