안전놀이터 The slump continued in the national team. Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), who was replaced after the scoreless score, was seen shedding tears.
Brazil defeated Bolivia 5-1 in the first leg of the South American regional qualifiers for the FIFA 2026 North and Central America World Cup held at the Estadio Olimpico do Para in Brazil on the 9th (Korean time).
It was a one-sided game. Bolivia, ranked 83rd in the FIFA rankings, was no match for Brazil, ranked 3rd. Even in terms of numbers, it was significantly pushed back. On this day, Brazil pounded the Bolivian defense with 21 shots.
The attackers combined for 5 goals. Neymar (Al Hilal) shone with two goals and one assist despite missing a penalty kick in the first half. History was also written. Neymar scored 79 goals in 124 Brazil international matches, surpassing Pele’s (77 goals) record. Rafinha (FC Barcelona) and Rodrygo (Real Madrid), who played as wingers, recorded 1 goal and 1 assist, and 2 goals and 1 assist, respectively.
Only one person couldn’t smile. Richarlison, who started as the lone striker, was silent for 71 minutes. There were two big opportunities, but they were also blown. Two of the three shots went inside the goal, but were blocked by the goalkeeper.
After returning to the bench, Charli Song lowered his head as if confused. He even cupped his face with his hands. He seemed very disappointed with his recent poor performance. The area around his eyes even turned red, as if he had wiped away tears.
Prior to last season, Richarlison left Everton and joined Tottenham for 60 million pounds (about 100 billion won). It was a resource expected to score double digits at least this season. However, Richarlison’s slump continued. He managed just one goal and three assists in 27 Premier League games in the 2022-23 season.
He is also struggling in his second season. Tottenham, under coach Angers Postecoglou, is playing aggressive soccer. Richarlison started as a starter in all three games after the opening, but was silent without any offensive points. Rather, Son Heung-min, who mainly plays as a winger, scored a hat trick when he took over as striker. Richarlison scored a stunning goal in the League Cup, but is falling behind in the competition for the starting spot.
I was called up to the Brazilian national team in a frustrating situation. He expected to score against weak Bolivia, but was unable to score again and hung his head. Meanwhile, the offensive line mates scored 5 goals together.
Brazil’s interim coach Fernando Dinis said through sports media ‘ESPN’, “Brazil welcomed Richarlison. I hope he gets out of his slump. I believe he will score a goal soon. We will do everything to calm him down.” reported.