WHOEVER wants to win the World Cup will have to beat Brazil.

That’s the simple fact as they demolished South Korea 4-1 in the Round of 16 with as clinical and classy a show as you could wish to see.

They ran rings and danced samba circles around the hapless Koreans, who were second best from the outset.

It took just six minutes for Brazil to unlock the Korean defence, after Raphinha skinned Hwang In-beom on the right flank and cut the ball back for Vinicius Junior to pick his spot and direct his shot past Kim Seung-gyu (1-0).

Soon after the restart, Kim Moon-hwan, attempting a clearance kick, connected instead with Richarlison.

Unlucky, but the ref pointed to the spot and Neymar obliged with one of those irritating slow dance run-ups (2-0).

Stung and embarrassed, Korea tried twice from range, the second a pearler from Hwang Hee-chan that forced a brilliant save from Alisson.

Brazil’s third goal was a work of art, with Richarlison’s snazzy ball control zipping the ball to Marquinhos who fed Casemiro, back to Richarlison, and it’s three for the men whose play is as bright as their canary yellow jerseys.

It was neither need nor greed that led to the next goal, but an uninhibited exhibition of how the beautiful game ought to be played.

Another breakaway saw Vinicius Junior scoop a pass to Lukas Paquito whose exquisite first time volley made it 4-0 at the break.

If this was boxing, the ref would have stopped the fight. More of the same and the Koreans might need trauma counselling.

To their credit, they did come back out with more determination and the semblance of a plan but it took a great save by Kim Seung-gyu to prevent Brazil’s fifth in the 52nd minute and another in the 61st.

However, scoring seemed to become less of a priority as the clock wound down with the game won and Brazil not wanting to risk injury.

Korea did have a three-in-one chance when the ball bashed against bodies in the Brazilian goalmouth, but without reward.

But they did get arguably the best goal of the game in the 76th minute, a rifle shot from distance by Paik that crashed into the net (4-1). A mere consolation as Korea ‘win’ the second half.

A nice late touch as Weverton replaces Alisson in goal, meaning every single member of the Brazilian squad has been on the field at Qatar.

They have sent out a clear warning to all nations: we are here to win the World Cup.