Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Stephen Killen

Richarlison sends Everton reminder as Neymar partnership grows

Tite's faith in Richarlison continued to pay off as the Everton forward started left of the front three during their 2-0 win over Paraguay in the COMNEBOL World Cup qualification on Wednesday.

In what was a fifth successive start for Brazil, the 24-year-old impressed as they overcome their South American rivals for the first time in 35 years.

The week has been marred by the fallout from the decision to move the Copa America from Argentina to Brazil, a matter of days before the competition was to get underway.

Richarlison and his team-mates have criticised the ruling, but have denied they will boycott the event.

Neymar opened the scoring inside five minutes after he fired in at the near post from Manchester City's Gabriel Jesus' cut-back from the by-line.

The PSG forward turned provider in stoppage-time as substitute Lucas Paqueta rubber-stamped victory, securing the three points with help from the inside of the post.

Richarlison was looking to make it two-in-two after he opened the scoring in their win over Ecuador on Saturday.

He did make it two goals in as many games shortly after the break after he raced through and brilliantly found the far corner, only to be ruled marginally offside.

Everton's 13-goal forward continued the form that warranted him a place in Tite's squad for the upcoming qualifiers and tournament.

He had a handful of chances to double Brazil's early lead and his best opportunity came eight minutes after the opener.

Manchester United midfielder Fred spotted his run into the box, and despite his touch almost letting him down, he did get a shot away on his left foot but was denied by the onrushing Anthony Silva.

Silva was called into further action by Richarlison in the second-half after a miscued cross from the left-hand side forced an unorthodox save from the Paraguayan goalkeeper.

A constant threat throughout, his marauding run from the halfway line saw him beat three defenders before Gustavo Gomez flung himself in front of his effort to deny him a brilliant solo goal.

With the score at 1-0 and eight minutes to play, Richarlison made way for Gabriel Barbosa.

As Brazil edged closer to the 'magic number' for World Cup qualification, the flourishing partnership of Neymar and Richarlison continues to blossom for Tite's side.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.