Brazil striker Matheus Cunha delivered a pointed response to Japan's pre-match comments after the five-time champions secured a 2-1 victory over the Asian side in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash in Houston on June 30. The win keeps Brazil's hopes of a record sixth title alive.
Pre-Match Mind Games and the Reply
Ahead of the match, Japan's Kento Shiogai had claimed that Brazil were no longer as respected as before and that superstar Neymar 'was not the same anymore.' Brazilian head coach Carlo Ancelotti dismissed these remarks as 'mind games' from Japan. After the match, Cunha was seen holding up five fingers, referencing Brazil's five World Cup titles, and was heard saying 'Five World Cups!' in a viral video.
Later, the Manchester United star posted an Instagram story with the caption: 'Now you know a little more than about us. Never above anyone, but never below either.' The story was set to Kendrick Lamar's track 'Humble,' which features the chorus 'Sit down, be humble.'
Match Summary: Japan Takes Early Lead
The Samurai Blue started strong defensively, denying Brazil early chances. In the 29th minute, Kaishu Sano produced a stunning strike from the edge of the box to give Japan a 1-0 lead at half-time.
Brazil's Comeback in the Second Half
In the 56th minute, Casemiro headed home the equalizer. Goalkeeper Zion Suzuki denied Vinicius Jr a goal, but in the sixth minute of added time, Bruno Guimaraes fed Martinelli, who delivered a clinical finish to secure Brazil's victory.
Historic Comeback and Records
Brazil's win marked the first time since the 1978 FIFA World Cup that the five-time champions secured a knockout match victory despite trailing at half-time, according to Opta Analyst. Additionally, Casemiro, aged 34 years and 126 days, became the second-oldest goal-scorer for Brazil in World Cup history, behind Bebeto against Denmark in 1998 (34 years and 137 days). Bruno Guimaraes, with four assists in the ongoing edition, is slowly approaching the assist numbers of Brazil icon Pele from the 1970 World Cup.
