Raphinha sets up all three goals on sensational Brazil debut from bench in victorious fightback in Venezuela - YEP 8/10/21
Leeds United winger Raphinha produced a sensational display on his international debut for Brazil, coming off the bench to set up all three goals in a 3-1 victory in Venezuela.
By Lee Sobot
Raphinha was named amongst the substitutes for the World Cup
qualifier that took place in the early hours of Friday morning in Caracas but
the Whites winger was brought on by boss Tite as Brazil trailed 1-0 at the
break.
The Leeds star was Tite's first port of call from the bench
despite the presence of options such as Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and
exciting Ajax winger Antony.
Raphinha looked to have bagged an assist within 12 minutes
of coming on as his inviting free-kick was headed home by Thiago Silva, only
for the Chelsea defender to be flagged offside.
But there was no denying the Whites star in the 71st minute
as his outswinging delivery from a corner was headed in by Marquinhos to make
the contest all square.
The Leeds winger continued to cause chaos and then played an
integral role as Brazil took the lead from the penalty spot with five minutes
left.
The 24-year-old produced a surging run on a counter attack
through the middle of the park and left a defender on his backside before
playing in Junior who had also been brought on during the second half.
The Real Madrid star's shot was saved but the rebound fell
to Gabi who was hacked down for a penalty which he then converted himself.