Will Jesus’ spirit save Brazil from the Koreans

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The last time Brazil and Korea Republic met, that was six months ago, Gabriel Jesus was one of the scorers in a 5-1 victory of the friendly duel in Seoul.

But he is not expected to be in action today owing to injury. But as they face Korea again in a knockout stage of the World Cup, will his prayers lift Brazil?

With the Round of 16 in its third day, there have been no upset so far. All the big guns have lived up to expectations.

Will Brazil have a different story to tell? In virtually every edition of the World Cup, Brazil have always been one of the favourites.

They have also not been too disapointing, winning five times in 21 previous editions.

Brazil lost 1-0 to Cameroon on Friday but still won their group for the 11th successive FIFA World Cup. The record five-time winners have lost only one of their nine round-of-16 ties, 1-0 to Argentina in 1990, since when they have been ever-present quarter-finalists.

They have won all three previous matches against AFC opposition at the FIFA World Cup. Korea Republic’s late winner against Portugal has earned them round-of-16 qualification for the third time. They won their first tie at this stage, 2-1 against Italy in 2002, but lost the second, 2-1 against Uruguay in 2010. They have never beaten South American opposition at the FIFA World Cup (Drew 2; Lost 4)