Richardson scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 win over Serbia at the World Cup on Friday, a brilliant acrobatic kick after a simple tap-in from close range.
After the match, the Tottenham striker became aware of Neymar’s injury.
“The most important thing for us is for him to be at 100 per cent for the next match,” said Richardson, whose first goal came after a buildup by Neymar. “When I get to the hotel I’ll go and see how he is.” Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lassmar said Neymar had sprained his right ankle. He declined to speculate on whether he would be available for the team’s next game against Switzerland on Monday.
“We iced him while he was on the bench and then in physical therapy,” Lassmer said. “No tests are scheduled for now, but we will schedule one if needed. He will remain under observation. We’ll know more tomorrow.”
Neymar was also injured in the 2014 World Cup. Playing at home to Brazil, his tournament ended with a back injury in the quarter-finals against Colombia, when he had to be carried off the field on a stretcher. Brazil lost 7–1 to Germany in the semi-finals.
Neymar was fouled nine times in the match against Serbia, four more than any player so far at this year’s World Cup. But the opposition defense could not stop Richardson, taking care of Neymar.
He turned his back to goal when he used one touch to bring the ball up in the air near the penalty spot, then turned around and ground before firing the ball into the net with his right foot in the 73rd minute. jumped from
Richardson, playing his first World Cup, said, ‘My childhood dream has come true. “We knew they would be difficult to overcome. I’m used to playing against defensive teams like this in England. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunities I had and I did.”
Brazil struggled to penetrate the Serbian defense until Richardson scored from close range in the 62nd. Vinicius Junior assisted on both goals.
Neymar, with Brazil looking for his first major title, finished with 75 goals for the national team, two shy of Pelé’s scoring record.
He struggled at times and sprained his right ankle in the second half. He was crying on the bench after being substituted in the 79th and was limping as he left the stadium.
Brazil coach Tite started with an offensive-minded squad consisting of four forwards – Neymar, Vinicius Júnior, Rafinha and Richardson. Attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta played alongside Casemiro, the sole defensive midfielder.
But Serbia had many players and was able to prevent Brazil from creating many important chances. Neymar tried to control the pace but struggled to break free. He, Vinicius Junior and Rafinha missed chances early on.
Brazil’s best chance before Richardson’s opening goal was Alex Sandro’s low long-range shot that hit the post in the 60th. Neymar had the best chances with a free kick in the 50th and a shot from near the penalty spot in the 55th.
Serbia had its own injury issues for the match.
“We have three key players out injured – it’s too much for us,” said Serbia coach Dragan Stojkovic. “We are not Brazil with 200 million people. We are a very small country.”
Neymar, 30, arrived at his third World Cup as Brazil’s main attraction. He helped the “Seleção” win the 2013 Confederations Cup and his first Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, but has yet to win a major title with the national team.
Brazil, seeking to win its first World Cup in two decades, is unbeaten with 17 wins in its last 20 opening matches. It has finished first in its group in the last 10 World Cups.
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