Seoul – AFP

The Brazilian winger for English club Chelsea, rising young talent Estéfão (18 years old), scored two goals and led his national team to a crushing 5-0 victory over South Korea, who qualified for the World Cup, in a friendly match held under rain at Seoul Stadium on Friday.

Captain Heung-min Son played his 137th match for South Korea, setting a new record for his country, as part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup finals scheduled in North America next year.

Both the Korean and Brazilian teams have secured qualification for the World Cup, with Son set to participate in his fourth finals.

The 33-year-old former Tottenham striker, who transferred to the American league in August, was previously tied with compatriots Myung-bo Hong, the current national coach, and Bum-kun Cha with 136 matches.

The Brazilian team, coached by Italian Carlo Ancelotti, took the lead through young Estéfão from close range after a pass from Bruno Guimarães, Newcastle United midfielder, before Rodrigo, Real Madrid’s Spanish forward, added the second goal following a brilliant solo effort finished with a shot that pierced the net just before halftime (41′).

The visitors fielded a strong lineup led by Manchester United’s Matheus Cunha in attack, directly supported by the dangerous trio Estéfão, Rodrigo, and his Real Madrid teammate Vinícius Júnior.

Brazil increased their tally immediately after the break, with Estéfão and Rodrigo adding two more goals within three minutes (47′ and 49′), before Vinícius capped the scoring fest in the 77th minute.

Brazil will face Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, while South Korea will host Paraguay.