Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha has caused quite a stir with what he said to the Japan player who claimed that "Brazil used to be a powerhouse" ahead of his side's dramatic 2-1 World Cup victory on Monday evening. Carlo Ancelotti and co. left it late to complete the comeback in Houston and book their place in the Round of 16.
Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock lead just before the 30-minute mark, but a series of second-half changes helped the five-time world champions wrestle back control and put their stamp on the contest. Casemiro powered home the equaliser in the 56th minute before Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero off the bench, poking in a dramatic 96th-minute winner after the ball trickled beyond the goalkeeper, kissed the post and crossed the line.
While Japan are renowned for their sportsmanship, there was no shortage of needle between the two sides. Before the showdown, Kento Shiogai had talked the talk by questioning Brazil's standing among the game's elite. But after failing to walk the walk, Cunha wasted little time in giving him a taste of his own medicine, firing back with a pointed response of his own after the final whistle.
What Cunha Said to Shiogai in Heated Exchange After Brazil 2-1 Japan
In what Ancelotti later branded 'mind games', Shiogai had said: "I don't hear much about Brazil these days," after claiming: "Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but now only France and Argentina are strong." He only played six minutes at this World Cup, and Cunha wasn't prepared to let his comments slide as he could be seen saying after the final whistle (while holding up five fingers):
"Five World Cups... you small!"
Also asked about the statement from Shiogai, captain Marquinhos said he saw a bit of arrogance in the Japanese player's attitude, but Brazil eventually found a way to get themselves over the line.
His Gesture has Caused a Stir
While many Brazilians applauded the five-word message, with one X user remarking: "He put him in his place" and another saying: "Pride and arrogance is back! That's what we wanted!" neutrals have offered a different perspective on things.
Indeed, it seems the rest of the football world find the Man United winger's comments a little bizarre, considering he hasn't contributed to any of their success. In some ways, Cunha's gesture proves his opponent right until he has something more recent to shout about, as one critic wrote: "Just setting himself up to be a meme." Another also added:
"Cunha saying '5 World Cups' as if he was part of it. Bro needs to understand that he plays for Man United, a club that hasn't won the league in about 14 years. He needs to calm down."
Elsewhere, one last comment concluded: "Players bragging with trophies they didnât win should be abolished." Brazil will face Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at 21:00 GMT on Sunday night.
Kaishu Sano gave Japan a shock lead just before the 30-minute mark, but a series of second-half changes helped the five-time world champions wrestle back control and put their stamp on the contest. Casemiro powered home the equaliser in the 56th minute before Gabriel Martinelli emerged as the hero off the bench, poking in a dramatic 96th-minute winner after the ball trickled beyond the goalkeeper, kissed the post and crossed the line.
While Japan are renowned for their sportsmanship, there was no shortage of needle between the two sides. Before the showdown, Kento Shiogai had talked the talk by questioning Brazil's standing among the game's elite. But after failing to walk the walk, Cunha wasted little time in giving him a taste of his own medicine, firing back with a pointed response of his own after the final whistle.
What Cunha Said to Shiogai in Heated Exchange After Brazil 2-1 Japan
In what Ancelotti later branded 'mind games', Shiogai had said: "I don't hear much about Brazil these days," after claiming: "Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but now only France and Argentina are strong." He only played six minutes at this World Cup, and Cunha wasn't prepared to let his comments slide as he could be seen saying after the final whistle (while holding up five fingers):
"Five World Cups... you small!"
Also asked about the statement from Shiogai, captain Marquinhos said he saw a bit of arrogance in the Japanese player's attitude, but Brazil eventually found a way to get themselves over the line.
His Gesture has Caused a Stir
While many Brazilians applauded the five-word message, with one X user remarking: "He put him in his place" and another saying: "Pride and arrogance is back! That's what we wanted!" neutrals have offered a different perspective on things.
Indeed, it seems the rest of the football world find the Man United winger's comments a little bizarre, considering he hasn't contributed to any of their success. In some ways, Cunha's gesture proves his opponent right until he has something more recent to shout about, as one critic wrote: "Just setting himself up to be a meme." Another also added:
"Cunha saying '5 World Cups' as if he was part of it. Bro needs to understand that he plays for Man United, a club that hasn't won the league in about 14 years. He needs to calm down."
Elsewhere, one last comment concluded: "Players bragging with trophies they didnât win should be abolished." Brazil will face Ivory Coast or Norway in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup at 21:00 GMT on Sunday night.
