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‘Crazy’: Tottenham hero hails Spurs 25-year-old ‘just so good’ at World Cup

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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Jurgen Klinsmann lauds the skill Richarlison showed with his acrobatic goal for Brazil at the 2022 World Cup against Serbia. The Tottenham Hotspur forward has scored twice in Qatar.

Richarlison inspired Brazil to an opening game 2-0 win over Serbia to kick off their Group G campaign. The 25-year-old had struggled to stamp his mark on the tie before breaking the deadlock with a tap-in. He then offered an early contender for the goal of the tournament.

Tite afforded the Nova Venecia native a starting role at striker against Orlovi as the Selecao chase a sixth title. Richarlison clearly took confidence from scoring the opener to net again in the 73rd minute. Even though he initially mis-controlled Vinicius Jr’s cross into the area.

Brazil v Serbia: Group G - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images

Richarlison used him mis-controlling Vinicius’ cross to set himself up for an acrobatic finish. The £50m, rising to £60m, former Everton forward produced a superb volley to beat Vanja Milinkovic-Savic again. The volley took Richarlison to 19 goals after 39 caps for his country.

Tite has also seen Richarlison lay on seven assists since giving the forward his debut back in September 2018. But the Brazil coach did not see the 2020 Olympics gold medal winner add another goal or assist to his tally in his 40th cap against Switzerland during a 1-0 win.

Brazil v Serbia: Group G - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Photo by VCG/VCG via Getty Images

Richarlison sat out Brazil’s 1-0 defeat to Cameroon after the Selecao had already secured a place in the Round of 16. The record five-time champions meet South Korea on Monday 5.

Tottenham hero Klinsmann in awe of Richarlison’s ‘crazy’ World Cup goal for Brazil

Richarlison left Tottenham hero Klinsmann in awe with his second goal as Brazil took a 2-0 win over Serbia at the World Cup. The former Spurs forward was at the game as part of his role in FIFA’s technical study group. And Klinsmann could only revel in Richarlison’s ability.

“It was a goal that was like he was playing beach soccer,” Klinsmann told BBC Sport. “It is something that as a child he would be trying automatically. It’s like when you grow up and try all sorts of crazy stuff.

Richarlison of Tottenham at World Cup for Brazil
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

“It came naturally to him He has probably done that as a kid many times before and then the ball comes exactly that way in a World Cup! He just follows his instinct and executes it in the same way as he would in his neighbourhood as a youngster.

“It was fantastic, the kid is just so good at doing that. I saw it live, as well. I was joking with my group of coaches here at FIFA that we should print out t-shirts with a picture of this goal and put the date on and say we were there.”

Richarlison has only offered two goals and three assists in 15 appearances since the Brazil star joined Tottenham from Everton. Both of his goals over four Champions League group stage matches also came against Marseille. His assists came in 10 Premier League outings.