Brilliant Brazil storm into last 8, Croatia edge Japan

Superstar Neymar returned to action as Brazil overwhelmed South Korea 4-1 in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 Monday to book a berth in the last 8, where they will meet Croatia who edged Japan in a penalty shootout earlier in the day.
Following Monday's results, six of the eight teams in the quarter-finals have been identified, with Argentina, the Netherlands, France and England qualifying earlier. The line-up will be completed Tuesday after the Spain vs Morocco and Portugal vs Switzerland matches.
Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero for Croatia, saving three penalties in the shootout as his side beat Japan at Al Janoub Stadium to reach the quarter-finals.
Japan had already beaten European heavyweights Germany and Spain in Qatar and they looked on track to take down 2018 runners-up Croatia when Daizen Maeda put them ahead just before half-time.
But Ivan Perisic brought Croatia level in the 55th minute with an impressive header from Dejan Lovren's cross and a hard-fought match became the first of this World Cup to go into extra-time.
When neither side could break the deadlock, the tie also produced the first penalty shootout of Qatar 2022.
It continued a remarkable pattern - seven of Croatia's past eight knockout games at major tournaments have gone to extra time, the only exception being their 4-2 defeat in the final by France in Russia four years ago.
In nail-biting tension, Livakovic saved the first two spot-kicks before stopping Maya Yoshida's effort, and then Mario Pasalic struck the winning penalty to send Croatia through.
Later, World Cup favourites Brazil produced a performance to delight fans and terrify potential opponents as they ripped through South Korea with four first-half goals to secure a hugely impressive 4-1 victory in their last-16 clash at Stadium 974.
They were ahead after seven minutes when Raphinha's low cross reached Vinicius Jr and he expertly lifted the ball above the charging goalkeeper and three defenders.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 with a Neymar penalty and Richarlison added a brilliant third after a spell of juggling then a razor combination with Marquinhos and Thiago Silva that had Brazil's delirious fans dancing and neutrals everywhere purring.
Lucas Paqueta volleyed in the fourth after 36 minutes and the five-times champions played the second half as an exhibition, denied more goals only by impressive Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, as they turned their attention to Friday's quarter-final meeting with Croatia.
Korea worked tirelessly and bravely to try to limit the damage and were rewarded for their own attacking efforts when Paik Seung-ho smashed in a brilliant long-range shot beyond Alisson 13 minutes from time.
In the last 8, Argentina will play against the Netherlands, while France will take on England and Brazil will clash with Croatia.