The fantastic bicycle kick by Richarlison against Serbia has been chosen the best goal of the 2022 World Cup. The forward scored in the 73rd minute of the South American team’s first game of the tournament to secure a 2-0 victory.
Richarlison, positioned in the centre of the goal, around 12 yards out, took his first touch to flip the ball up in the air after an outside-the-foot cross from teammate Vinicius Jr from the left flank. The Tottenham attacker then twisted and delivered a fantastic volley while his body was completely airborne.
The following strike eluded Serbian defender Milos Veljkovic’s attempts to block the ball and went beyond his keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s outstretched right arm. Richarlison had earlier opened the scoring for Brazil before making it a brace with the sensational effort and added his third goal of the tournament in a 4-1 triumph over South Korea in the round of 16 following their table-top finish in the group stages.
Brazil, one of the favourites heading into the tournament, were left spoilt for choice with a plethora of brilliant attackers in their ranks, such as PSG superstar Neymar Jr, Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, Barcelona winger Raphinha, in addition to Premier League trio Antony, Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus.
Head coach Tite decided to bench Jesus despite his excellent form, a decision that paid off wonderfully as Richarlison was on top of his game at the biggest stage in world football.
Brazil, however, could not continue quite in the same vein, as they faced a gritty Croatian side in the quarter finals. Croatia were sensational in midfield, holding enough of the ball to starve the Brazilian forwards as the game stood goalless at the end of normal time. Neymar’s outstanding goal was stunningly cancelled out by Bruno Petkovic, following which the Selecao lost on penalties. Rodrygo and veteran centre-back Marquinhos missed their spot-kicks as Croatia progressed to their second straight World Cup semi-final.
