Shay Given has claimed Brazil striker Richarlison has silenced doubters with his brilliant performance against Serbia.
In a somewhat surprising selection by Brazil, Richarlison played as the main striker in their first game of the tournament. After a quiet first half, the Spurs forward scored two goals, with the second an incredible goal to see Brazil to victory.
🇧🇷 2-0 🇷🇸
74' Richarlison volleys home a superb second! An early contender for Goal of the Tournament
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📱 Live updates:https://t.co/wtetF4Eemj #FIFAWorldCup #BRASRB pic.twitter.com/DiCdJdzdfb— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 24, 2022
It's been a difficult season for Richarlison since his move to Spurs, who is without a goal in the Premier League in ten appearances. A knee injury also made him a close call for the tournament.
While he has showed his quality for Everton in recent seasons, it was a huge call by Brazil manager Tite, but he repaid him to get his side off to a winning start in the World Cup.
Richarlison Silences Doubters
The 25-year-old is a somewhat controversial figure in football. If he plays for your team, you'll love him. If he's against you, it can be difficult to show support for him.
However, for Brazil, Richarlison had proven to be a different player, with nine goals in seven appearances, showing why he is so highly valued for his country.
The Spurs striker was picked ahead of Gabriel Jesus, while Roberto Firmino was left out of the squad completely. The likes of Antony and Rodrygo were also left on the bench.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, Shay Given claimed tonight's performance should put any doubts behind Richarlison.
🇧🇷 2-0 🇷🇸
Shay Given says Richarlison's double should dispel the doubts Brazil and Tottenham fans might have had about him #FIFAWorldCup
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📱 Live updates:https://t.co/wtetF4Eemj pic.twitter.com/skolTQObJx— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) November 24, 2022
"When the World Cup is advertising long after it's gone that will be one of the goals of the tournament for sure. He's a special bit of talent really.
I know inside the studio we were talking off air and he's done nothing Richarlison, maybe he'll change it and take him off. Maybe that's why I'm sitting here and not in a dugout somewhere.
The manager has had a lot of faith in Richarlison at times and other people haven't. Even in England of course he's with Tottenham, and some people question 60 million pounds, but you see why they spent the money on him. He might just need more game time with Tottenham. "
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