Lucas, Royal so proud of Richy: “We’re all so happy for him because he’s such a special guy”
Wed 07 December 2022, 14:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
As Richarlison continues to light up the World Cup in Qatar, two team-mates closer to home are relishing watching their friend’s journey to becoming Brazil’s goal-den boy in 2022.
Richy struck for the third time in the tournament in Brazil's spectacular first half demolition of South Korea in the Round of 16 on Monday.
What a goal as well. This time, Richy controlled the ball three times on his head before spinning away from Hwang In-beom and passing into Marquinhos on the edge of the box. Marquinhos played a first-time pass into fellow centre-back Thiago Silva, he picked out Richarlison with another first-time pass, and the striker did the rest, slotting home from eight yards for 3-0 inside 30 minutes. It was 4-0 at half-time as O Canarinho went into party mode.
Richy’s spectacular second goal in Brazil’s 2-0 win against Serbia in their Group G opener on 24 November remains the best of the tournament so far, as he controlled a cross from Vinicius Junior with his back to goal, spun and volleyed home from 14 yards. It’s a goal that has him in the conversation about Brazil’s great World Cup goals, and following in the footsteps of the likes of Pele, Zico, Romario and Ronaldo.
Snapped up from Everton in the summer, Richy is Brazil’s in-form forward, his goal against Korea taking him to 10 in eight appearances for his country in 2022, and he’s now up to 20 in his 41 caps.
Back in training ahead of the return of domestic football after the World Cup, and speaking to us at Hotspur Way, Emerson said: “Richy’s crazy! His goal against Serbia was very beautiful, an amazing goal. I spoke with him after that game. I said, ‘Richy, you are crazy!’ This the best goal, a top goal. Richy’s goal it’s like Pele, it’s like Romario, such a brilliant goal. I’m so happy for him, he’s a top player but also a top person.”
Capped 35 times by Brazil, Lucas added: “That goal was incredible. There are a few things to analyse. One, it’s an unbelievable goal. Two, it’s at the World Cup. Three, he’s wearing the Brazil shirt, following players like Ronaldo, Romario, amazing players who have worn that shirt. It’s a special moment for him, and we’re all so happy for him because he’s such a special guy.”
