'It's worse than losing a family member' - Richarlison on Brazil's Qatar World Cup 2022 exit

Record five-time world champion Brazil missed out on its record-extending sixth title during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where it was ousted by eventual third-placed side and European giants Croatia, losing 2-4 on penalties. The Seleção Canarinho had a fine run in the tournament, through the group stage to the pre-quarters, which included a convincing 4-1 triumph over South Korea. However, with Marquinhos and Rodrygo missing their spot-kick against the Blazers, the Brazilian dream continues its long wait. Meanwhile, Brazil's playing member Richarlison stated that the feeling of exiting the tournament was worse than losing a family member.

"It was a blow. I don't know. It's worse than losing a family member. It wasn't easy 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 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," Richarlison signified to ESPN.

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"Our goal was to be champion. I scored a beautiful goal, but I think that goal, let's say, was not my goal. We went there to raise the cup. But I'm happy to have scored that great goal, even running for the Puskas. I was happy because I think many people started to know me more. It was vital in my career," added Richarlison.

Richarlison finished in Qatar as Brazil's highest goal-scorer, having hammered three goals. His bicycle-kick goal against Serbia won the Gola of the Tournament award and has also been nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award 2022.