DOHA — Brazil has recovered its essence in the World Cup, its joy and above all the dances.

The crushing victory over South Korea on Monday sealed the ticket to the five-time world champion in Qatar. It also revitalizes team morale after a rocky start to the tournament in which the Seleção lost Neymar to injury and saw an unbeaten run snapped in the group stage by losing to Cameroon.

But Neymar reappeared in all his splendor, showing himself to be in very good physical shape and with a mischievous penalty definition in the 4-1 victory over the South Koreans at stadium 974. Vinícius Júnior, Richarlison and Lucas Paquetá also pierced the nets and, after each goal, the Brazilians gave free rein to their skills as dancers.

They had promised a different celebration for each goal in Qatar, and on Monday night they were able to carry out several routines, after a group stage in which Brazil scored just three goals. They lost 1-0 to Cameroon at the end of their key.

Even coach Tite decided to participate, following in Richarlison’s footsteps with his particular “dove dance”.

The coach and players stood in a circle, put their hands on their hips and began to move their necks back, imitating a pigeon, which is Richarlison’s nickname.

After the game, in front of the cameras, the Tottenham London attacker gave instructions on the dance steps to the retired star Ronaldo. “You must stand here and do so,” Richarlison showed him. After perfectly imitating the steps, Ronaldo responded with a “thank you friend.”

The Brazilian players had already danced after the first goal, the work of Vinicius Junior. The Real Madrid attacker celebrated accompanied by Neymar, Raphinha and Lucas Paquetá. The scene was repeated after each goal.

The dances caused resentment in Roy Keane, the retired Irish soccer player who works as a commentator at the World Cup. The former Manchester United complained that the Brazilians “disrespected their rivals”, especially with the coach participating.

Tite defended his players.

“It’s about being happy about the goal, the performance, the victory,” he said. “You don’t want to be disrespectful to your opponent.”

Tite had joked with Richarlison before the game that if he scored he would dance with him to celebrate.

He indicated that the victory was important to regain confidence after the setback against Cameroon and that Neymar’s return was key to the team’s mettle.

“The team improved, I can’t ask for more than that”, he said. “Neymar is our leader, the team feels it and makes a difference. He makes everyone play better”.

Neymar missed two games due to a sore right ankle suffered after the 2-0 victory in the opener against Serbia. Brazil beat Switzerland 1-0 and then Cameroon fell, their first loss in a group stage game in 17 years, a streak dating back to 1998.

Brazil, seeking its first world championship in two decades, will face Croatia, the Russia 2018 runners-up, in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Seleção has been among the top eight in eight consecutive World Cups.

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