Video shows a genius assist from West Ham star Lucas Paqueta which put Brazil on the brink of the World Cup semi-finals until his crazy substitution.
All West Ham eyes have been on how Paqueta would perform for – and be used by – Brazil in Qatar after arriving at the London Stadium as the club’s record signing in the summer.
West Ham’s £51m man has struggled to fit into David Moyes’s system thus far with the Hammers just one point off the relegation zone.
Paqueta was man of the match and scored a sumptuous volley in Brazil’s thumping 4-1 win over South Korea in the last 16.
Video: Genius assist from West Ham star Lucas Paqueta put Brazil on brink of World Cup semi-finals until crazy substitution
West Ham’s midfielder Paqueta started again when Brazil took on Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday afternoon.
He came close to scoring on a couple of occasions and was key in midfield as the Croatians provided stern defensive opposition.
The game went into extra-time with West Ham ace Paqueta still in the thick of the action.
And he proved the difference maker.
Video shows the genius assist from West Ham star Paqueta which put Brazil on the brink of the World Cup semi-finals until his crazy substitution.
Paqueta was being marked by three players and played a one-touch, first-time, one-two pass with the inside of his foot for Neymar, threading the ball through a crowd of players for the Brazil superstar to run through, round the goalkeeper and put Brazil 1-0 ahead.
The moment of magic from Paqueta and Neymar came on the stroke of half-time in extra-time and proved the game’s decisive moment.
But then came a moment of madness from Brazil coach Tite. He decided to take Paqueta off.
And Croatia equalised at the death from the edge of the box – the exact position where Paqueta had been absolutely key all game in helping his side defensively.
Brazil were inexplicably left three against four at the back whereas Paqueta had been the insurance policy in front of the defence all game.
The match went to a shootout and Croatia emerged victorious. It was a sad victory of defence over attack with the Croatians having just one shot on target all game – their goal.
West Ham fans have been posing the question about how Moyes should use Paqueta when he returns to east London after the World Cup.
But the reality is that it is extremely difficult to draw any realistic comparisons.
Just because Paqueta plays a certain way and role for Brazil doesn’t automatically mean he could be deployed in the same manner and with the same level of success at West Ham.
Unless the Hammers can get Casemiro, Viniscus Junior, Raphinha, Neymar and co to the London Stadium to play with him!
Top players decide big, tight games and they don’t come much bigger than helping book your team a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
West Ham fans will be feeling very proud indeed this evening.
Now let’s see whether it will be Declan Rice or Alphonse Areola who join their West Ham teammate Paqueta in the semis.
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