09 September 2023 , 10:18
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Richarlison cut an emotional figure after being substituted in Brazil's 5-1 win over Bolivia.
The 26-year-old, who has scored once in five appearances for Tottenham this season, was named in the starting XI for Brazil's first World Cup qualifier. He was part of a dynamic-looking front four which included Barcelona's Raphinha, Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Al-Hilal's Neymar.
But as his nation ran riot at Estadio Olimpico do Para, Richarlison drew a blank and was substituted in the 71st minute - moments after missing a gilt-edged chance. He was replaced by Wolves' Matheus Cunha and watched on as Neymar added his second to wrap up a comfortable victory for Fernando Diniz's men.
After being taken off, Richarlison sat down on the substitutes' bench and was pictured in tears alongside his teammates. The forward has endured a tough time since making the £50million plus add-ons move to Tottenham last summer and a disappointing performance playing for Brazil will not have helped his confidence.
Richarlison started the season as Ange Postecoglou's first-choice no.9, with the ex-Everton striker named in the XI for Spurs' first three matches. However, Richarlison was named on the bench for Tottenham's final game before the international break at Burnley as Son Heung-min was given the nod up front.
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It came despite Richarlison scoring in Tottenham's Carabao Cup defeat at Fulham, although he did miss another excellent opportunity to open his account in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth. And Richarlison's hopes of regaining his place in the side took a dent as Son netted a hat-trick at Burnley.
Richarlison struggled in Brazil's 5-1 win over Bolivia (Getty Images)Manor Soloman, who came into the XI instead of Richarlison, impressed and grabbed two assists as Spurs ran out 5-2 winners to continue their unbeaten start in the Premier League. Speaking after Tottenham's victory at Turf Moor, Postecoglou was delighted with his side's efforts.
Postecoglou said: "It was good today for sure. Obviously going a goal down again you get tested and particularly after midweek you're looking for what kind of reaction the lads have. I thought they were outstanding in just staying really calm and clear-headed and playing our football and we grew into the game.
Richarlison has scored just once for Tottenham this season (Getty Images)"Once we got to grips with it I think thought we were dominant in just about every area. Maybe a little bit wasteful in the first half in the front third but in the second half, we got really clinical. I can't praise the players highly enough for the way they navigated the challenges we had today."
As for Richarlison, he will be keen to get back on the scoresheet when Brazil face Peru in their second 2026 World Cup qualifier. Diniz, meanwhile, could make changes to his side with Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli both pushing to be named in the XI.