"Do it in training, do it in the game," says Richarlison after scoring a stunning goal in Brazil's World Cup opener.
"I scored a similar goal in training in Italy. Like I said, you score in training, you score in the game... I hope to continue like this, focused, two goals have come and I'll look for more," he said.
Reuters - For those impressed by Richarlison's volley goal in Brazil's victory over Serbia in the World Cup, the Brazilian national team striker recalled that he had already scored a similar goal during training in preparation for the World Cup, and said that he will seek more goals after finding the net twice in his debut in the competition.
"I scored a similar goal in training in Italy. Like I said, you score in training, you score in the game... I hope to continue like this, focused, two goals came and I'll look for more. At halftime I said I only needed one ball to finish and that ball arrived," Richarlison said in an interview with TV Globo after the game.
The striker scored both Brazilian goals in the 2-0 victory in the Group G match, both after halftime. The first goal came after a rebound from a Vinícius Jr. shot, opening the scoring in the 17th minute after a first half with few chances for either side.
A few minutes later came the spectacular goal. Richarlison received the ball from Vinícius Jr. in the penalty area with his back to the opponent's goal, controlled it in the air, turned, and volleyed it past the Serbian goalkeeper, giving him no chance.
Wearing the historic number 9 shirt of the Brazilian national team, the Tottenham striker almost missed out on being called up by coach Tite after suffering a calf injury in a match for his club in October. That night, Richarlison left the field in tears, knowing that his place in the Qatar squad was at risk.
"Four weeks ago I was there crying, still a little unsure about coming. I remember that the day of the exam, I think it was one of the longest days of my life," she said.
"All the effort of my recovery was worth it... God saw my effort, saw how much I wanted to come to the World Cup. Now it's about continuing, we did the main thing which was to win the first game," said the striker.
Richarlison also faced competition from teammate Gabriel Jesus, who is in great form at Arsenal and was looking to regain his starting position after a poor performance at the 2018 World Cup.
But Richarlison's track record with the Brazilian national team weighed heavily. He scored 17 goals in 38 games for Brazil since 2018, which earned Tite's confidence.
Richarlison and Brazil return to the pitch next Monday against Switzerland, in a match that will determine the leader of Group G in the World Cup.
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