Thiago on Cloud Nine after goals for Brentford and Brazil

LONDON, April 11 : Goals for Brazil and Brentford, an unheard of combination until this season, have put Igor Thiago in dreamworld as the World Cup approaches.

The 24-year-old striker, in his first Premier League game since his debut and first goal for Brazil last month, grabbed a double for Brentford in their 2-2 home draw against Everton on Saturday.

Thiago's glancing second effort, the reward for being in the right place at the right time, made him the club's highest ever scorer in a Premier League season - ahead of their former players Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney.

The tally of 21 is only one goal behind Manchester City's league-leading scorer Erling Haaland and current favourite for the Golden Boot.

'HE'S ON CLOUD NINE'

"He's grown as the season's gone on naturally with the journey that he's been on," said Brentford manager Keith Andrews.

"The dream of playing for your country, quite an iconic jersey to wear, was special for all of us and I think he's on Cloud Nine.

"There's no doubt about that. Hopefully that can continue for the rest of the season and beyond."

Thiago scored a penalty in his second appearance for Brazil in a friendly against Croatia nL1N40K02J in Florida late last month but even if his inclusion in the final World Cup squad remains uncertain, he is pushing hard.

"I'm really happy with what God has given to me this season. I'm just living like a dream here, so I just enjoy every moment here," he told Sky Sports on Saturday.

"Can I catch Haaland in the Golden Boot race? In Jesus' name, I can, and I will fight with my whole life for that."

PLACE IN EUROPE BECKONS

Saturday's game was between two teams fighting for a possible place in Europe - Brentford seventh and Everton eighth - after starting the season among