The final ‘i’s were dotted and the ‘t’s crossed on the FA inquiry into the Lucas Paquetá ‘yellow cards for bets’ debacle this week with the news that the FA would not be appealing the panel’s verdict. The Brazilian had already signalled his allegiance to [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-play-hardball-as-paqueta-pushes-for-villa-transfer/) with the well – reported mime and badge kiss that accompanied a welcome return to form on the domestic stage.
A man of the match performance against Nottingham Forest signalled something of the ”old’ Lucas Paquetá was back: Twice the energy, involvement and commitment that Hammers fans had seen during a lethargic and largely preoccupied 2024-5 campaign. Understandably, with that lifetime ban hanging over his head.
Paquetá on international duty appears to be similarly unshackled and returning to his best. Representing his national side last night, West Ham’s number 10 scored for Brazil for the first time in over a year as his team ran out 3-0 winners in their World Cup qualifier against Chile which lifted their side back into second place in their qualifying group.
Paquetá was a 71st minute substitute and headed home Brazil’s second after being in the game for just one minute. A pretty emphatic announcement of a return to the pitch, to form and to confidence from Paq-man. Lucas’ best mate Bruno Guimares rolled home the third to complete the night for Brazil who had been struggling for results despite a pretty stellar line up.
Quite possibly the resurgence of Paquetá will mark a turning point in the national side’s performances, as West Ham fans hope will be the case in the Premier League when hostilities recommence next weekend.