Richarlison was in tears on Brazil’s bench after he failed to score during their qualifier against Bolivia on Friday evening.
Brazil ran out 5-1 winners in the first game of their World Cup qualifying campaign as Neymar and Rodrygo both scored twice, while Raphinha also found the net.
Richarlison, meanwhile, missed an excellent chance early in the second half as he dummied a Bolivia defender six yards out from goal but blazed his effort high over the bar.
The forward has now failed to find the net in his last four appearances for his national side.
And after being substituted in the 71st minute, Richarlison cut an emotional figure on Brazil’s bench as he was seen watching on with tears in his eyes.
Speaking after his side’s win, Brazil’s interim head coach, Fernando Diniz, backed Richarlison to end his goal drought and insisted the Spurs forward is ‘a great player’.
‘Everyone welcomed him, and the fans also welcomed him, as he was applauded. This is a really cool thing that he awakens in the fans, something affectionate.
‘We will do everything so that he can remain calm, because he is a great player, and his ball will go in.
‘We will think about what is best for the team. As for Richarlison, I believe in him a lot. He is a great player.
‘Today, his ball didn’t go in. I don’t think he played badly. If he moved a lot, it helped at the front. One day the ball will go in.
‘He is a player who helps a lot in many things that, based on your question, you were unable to see. On the walls, on the returns, making up for whoever was in front. So he answered, and I liked his performance.’
, .
,  and .
