Richarlison has opined that Croatia’s victory against Brazil in the World Cup quarterfinal was “worse than losing a family member.”
The Selecao, who were pre-tournament favorites, won Group G and destroyed South Korea 4-1 in the round of 16, raising hopes that they may win the championship for the first time since 2002.
However, their campaign was cut short in Qatar when they lost to Croatia on penalties in the quarterfinals because Marquinhos and Rodrygo failed to convert their spot-kicks.
Many players were affected by the defeat, including Neymar, who had given Brazil the lead in extra time before Bruno Petkovic’s goal forced penalties. Neymar was seen crying on the field as Croatia celebrated their triumph.
Richarlison told ESPN: “It was a blow, I don’t know. I think it’s worse than losing a family member.
“It was difficult to recover. To this day, when I watch videos on my social networks, it makes me sad.
“But we have to move on. I’m still young, I think I still have one or two World Cups to go. I will keep working hard so that things start to flow again, the goals start to come out, which is what I know how to do on the field.”
Despite the disappointing end to the tournament, it was a strong World Cup for Richarlison, who was Brazil’s top scorer with three goals.
The Tottenham forward’s bicycle kick against Serbia won the goal of the tournament award and has also been nominated for the 2022 Puskas Award, handed out by FIFA to the best goal of a calendar year.
“Our goal was to be champion. I scored a beautiful goal, but I think that goal, let’s say, was not my goal,” Richarlison added. “We went there to raise the cup.
“But I’m also happy to have scored that great goal, even running for the Puskas. I was happy, because I think a lot of people started to know me more. It was very important in my career.”