Ex-Tottenham star Paulinho started for Brazil and remained on the pitch for 68 minutes against Costa Rica.
Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho shined for Brazil as Tite’s side earned a late 2-0 win over Costa Rica at the World Cup in Russia – and Spurs fans are gobsmacked at just how different the midfielder is since his time in north London.
The 29-year-old midfielder started alongside Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Casemiro, as Brazil finally broke the deadlock in the 91st minute through Barcelona teammate Coutinho.
Ex-Barcelona star Neymar then doubled Brazil’s lead in the 97th minute, after an excellent midfield display from the former Spurs star helped Brazil earn all three points.
Paulinho left Spurs back in 2015 to join Chinese Super League side Ghangzhou Evergrande, before making the surprise move to Barcelona last summer where he has since starred.
He scored nine goals in 34 La Liga appearances which has seen the lofty midfielder become first choice in Brazil’s side, and Spurs fans reacted to his performance on Twitter – asking why he could not perform the way he did at Spurs.
One fan Tweeted: “Imagine having him and selling him on the cheap”.
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