Richarlison – Photo Credit: Flickr

Richarlison scored three goals in a game within 30 minutes as the defending Olympic champions Brazil defeated Germany 4-2 in their opening Group D game during the men’s Olympic tournament at the International Stadium.

Brazil should have had the outcome decided by the interval given the amount of chances they created. However, Germany struck twice in the second half, despite going down to 10 men in the 63rd minute.

Richarlison drove home at the second attempt in the seventh minute and headed Brazil into a 2-0 lead before completing his hat-trick with a fine strike in the 30th minute with the German defence. 

Nadiem Amiri pulled one back for Germany after the break and although Max Arnold was dismissed in the 63rd minute, a Ragnar Ache header gave Brazil unexpectedly nervous final stages.

But with Germany pushing forward, Brazil caught them on the break in stoppage time while Paulinho finished off a counter-attack with a fine shot into the top corner.