A month ago, Raphinha feared Brazil바카라s national team might never again call on him to play in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier 바카라 he and other England-based players were stopped from playing due to COVID-19 quarantine restrictions in Britain. (More Football News)
But Brazil coach Tite was confident of the 24-year-old Leeds winger바카라s potential and decided to give him another chance.
Raphinha won Brazilian fans quickly after two impressive performances coming off the bench in the latest two rounds of qualifiers. He first saved the team from embarrassment in the 3-1 victory at Venezuela and later stepped up again in a 0-0 draw at Colombia.
Now the winger who was not among coach Tite바카라s first options is likely to be a starter in Thursday바카라s match against Uruguay in Manaus, playing next to Neymar and Gabriel Jesus. Raphinha is expected to give Brazil another powerful weapon; he plays on the left, but finishes with his right foot.
Against Venezuela, Brazil struggled in creating chances until halftime.
Midfielder Everton Ribeiro left for Raphinha and the impact was immediate 바카라 Raphinha took the corner kick that allowed Marquinhos to level, started the play that ended in Gabriel Barbosa being fouled in the box and then he provided the low cross that allowed Antony to score near the final whistle.
Raphinha was also key to Brazil maintaining possession in the very physical match against Colombia. His performance came in handy since Neymar was sub-par, and many fans used social media to say the newcomer deserved to take Neymar바카라s place.
Tite praised Raphinha at a media conference on Wednesday, but also tried to lower expectations of the player. He had also called on the winger during April's international window, but Raphinha did not travel due to injury.
바카라He can play wide, he is fast, he can cross, he can finish from middle range,바카라 said Tite. 바카라But let's take it easy, too much expectation is not good. This is a moment for the team, to structure. I will keep opening chances.바카라
Raphinha chose to play for Brazil instead of Italy. His father is Italian and he has an Italian passport like many players who have done well with the Azzurri, such as midfielder Jorginho and defender Emerson. The winger was being monitored by Italy until recently when Tite called him to play for the Seleçao.
He was stopped from coming to South America in the previous international window, like eight other Brazilian players, because English Premier League clubs did not want their stars to quarantine for 10 days at a hotel after they returned to Britain, as required then by the country's government.
바카라I was upset because playing for Brazil is a boyhood dream. Who does not think of that?바카라 Raphinha said in September. 바카라I understood the club바카라s position and remained focused. I will keep doing my best for Leeds and, who knows?바카라
Brazil lead the South American World Cup qualifying tournament with 28 points after 10 matches and have nearly secured a place at Qatar.
