Brazil players rally behind Richarlison after the Spurs striker was left in tears following his substitution against Bolivia… as Wolves star Matheus Cunha reveals his family were the first to console his teammate

• Brazil beat Bolivia 5-1 in their first World Cup qualifier on Friday
• Richarlison missed a golden chance to score and was later taken off 
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast It’s All Kicking Off! 

The Brazil squad has rallied behind Richarlison after the Spurs striker was left in tears after being substituted during the Selecao’s 5-1 victory over Bolivia.

The five-time world champions trounced Bolivia in their first World Cup qualifiers on Friday night, but it was an evening to forget for Richarlison.

The 26-year-old missed a golden chance to get on the scoresheet and was substituted halfway through the second half.  When the cameras cut to him on the bench, Richarlison could be seen sobbing in frustration.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha revealed his family consoled Richarlison after the final whistle.

‘My family was by my side, my parents came out to hug him before anyone else, because they had already lived that with their son,’ he told Brazilian outlet UOL.

Richarlison had an evening to forget as Brazil thumped Bolivia 5-1 on Friday night

The Spurs strike was in tears after being substituted halfway through the second half

‘Everyone will make mistakes, it’s human, and the most important thing is the selection’s victory. We have a responsibility, of course.’

The Wolves and Spurs strikers are competing for a starting spot ahead of the clash against Peru in Lima on Wednesday, and Cunha insisted a fit and firing Richarlison was crucial to his own form.

‘He’s a great player and we’re close friends,’ he said. 

‘I want him to be at his best because the competition for places is both against him and myself.’

The Spurs striker stayed behind at the team hotel for over 30 minutes to sign autographs for the fans on Monday and Brazil boss Fernando Diniz insisted the Selecao supporters were firmly behind the striker.

‘He was applauded, which shows the affection he generates among Brazilians,’ he said.

Wolves forward Matheus Cunha revealed his family consoled Richarlison after the final whistle

‘We will do everything for him to remain calm because he is a great player and I’m confident he will take his chances.’

Richarlison has been nothing short of a disappointment since joining Tottenham Hotspur last season. 

In 30 Premier League appearances for the north London club, the Brazilian international has registered just one goal.

And while many believed Harry Kane’s departure to Bayern Munich may open up opportunities for Richarlison, he is yet to open his Premier League tally this season.

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