Brazil win Olympic gold despite Richarlison frustration

Richarlison picked up an unwanted hat-trick but still saw his Brazil Under-23 side beat Spain’s Under-23s 2-1 in extra time to win the gold medal in the 2020 Olympic Football Final. The Everton forward was booked, missed a penalty and hit the crossbar with a deflected shot as O Selecao successfully defended the title they had won at home in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Goals from Matheus Cunha and Malcom - who had been linked with the Toffees a couple of seasons ago - negated the equalizer from Mikel Oyarzabal soon after the break. Richarlison was unable to add to his competition tally of five goals today but will still lift the Golden Boot title for the tournament.

With today’s game, that makes it 59 games played throughout the season for Richarlison, and he will go off on a well-deserved summer break now, though it is not confirmed yet how many games he will miss for Everton with the Premier League season kicking off next weekend.

The Toffees looked mostly toothless in attack in a 4-0 preseason friendly evisceration at Old Trafford by Manchester United today, and Rafa Benitez will more likely than not want him back sooner than later.

Richarlison has had a good tournament overall as the leader of the attacking pack, though he had been ably supported by Matheus Cunha and Antony who have both shined. Against Spain, Brazil chose to cede possession, letting the European side pass it around and hit them on the counter. Richarlison, particularly in the second half, was a threat running onto long balls over the high backline as Spain pushed for the winner.

Hopefully Brazil will let him rest for their upcoming round of World Cup qualifiers with three games on September 2nd, 5th and 9th, but if they do insist on calling him up then Everton are likely to be without him until they play Burnley on September 13th.

Dani Alves has had a glittering football career but despite winning every honour possible in the club game, had never won a trophy with the national team. This win marked his 43rd major trophy, an achievement that will likely never be matched.