1 hour ago
4
ARTICLE AD BOX
Matheus Cunha ( Photo AP)
Brazil striker Matheus Cunha hit back at Japan's Kento Shiogai, who had claimed that Brazil was no longer a football powerhouse and that Neymar "wasn't the same anymore," by making a controversial gesture after the match.The incident occurred during injury time of Brazil's Round of 32 clash against Japan, moments after the Selecao scored a dramatic late goal to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Television cameras showed Cunha pointing to the Brazil badge on his shirt while raising an open hand. The gesture appeared to be a response to Shiogai's earlier remarks that "Brazil is no longer a football powerhouse."
After the match, Cunha shared several Instagram stories explaining his actions.
Speaking to the media in the mixed zone, he also defended his reaction."With all due respect, to have a Japanese player saying that about such a victorious Brazilian national team-man, if it is a Brazilian talking about Brazilians, we might even accept it. But coming from outsiders, I think we stand together against anyone. So, it is more about what this shirt represents, who has worn this shirt before us, and everything we went through to be wearing it today."
In his Instagram stories, Cunha posted pictures from Brazil's win while taking another swipe at Shiogai. In one post, he wrote, "Now you know a bit more about us," followed by "Neither superior nor inferior to anyone" in another. He also added a Brazilian flag emoji along with Kendrick Lamar's song Humble.Despite the controversy, Cunha also showed a compassionate side after the final whistle. While his teammates celebrated the victory, he walked over to comfort Japan midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was in tears after his team's heartbreaking exit from the tournament.Brazil's winning goal came from Gabriel Martinelli; his selection in Brazil's final World Cup squad had earlier been widely debated after an inconsistent 2025/26 Premier League season.
English (US) ·