Brazil forward Matheus Cunha has explained the meaning behind his “five-star” gesture during his country’s World Cup victory over Japan, saying it was a response to comments made by Japanese player Kento Shiogai about the Selecao.
The incident came after Brazil secured a 2-1 win over Japan in their Round of 32 clash, a result that kept alive the South Americans’ hopes of winning a record-extending sixth FIFA World Cup title.
Before the knockout encounter, Shiogai had questioned Brazil’s standing among the world’s elite football nations, suggesting the team no longer commands the same fear and respect it once did.
According to remarks attributed to the 21-year-old, the Japanese forward claimed that Brazil’s reputation had faded in recent years and argued that only France and Argentina could currently be considered truly dominant forces in international football.
“Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but what about now? I haven’t heard much about them these days,” Shiogai was quoted as saying.
“I think only France and Argentina are strong.”
The comments appeared to provide extra motivation for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who edged past Japan to book their place in the next round of the tournament.
During the match, Cunha was seen holding up five fingers and making a calming gesture, a moment that quickly attracted attention from fans and pundits.
Speaking after the game, the Manchester United forward revealed that the celebration was linked to Shiogai’s remarks and was intended as a reminder of Brazil’s rich football history.
“I have nothing against Japan; they are a great team, but he made some remarks about Brazil that we cannot accept,” Cunha said.
“It is about respect for us and our jersey.”
The five-finger gesture was widely interpreted as a reference to Brazil’s five World Cup triumphs, achieved in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002.
Brazil remain the most successful nation in World Cup history and have produced some of football’s greatest players, including Pele, Ronaldo Nazario, Ronaldinho, Romario and Neymar.
However, despite their legendary status, the Selecao have endured a difficult run in recent tournaments. They have failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals in four of the last five World Cups and suffered one of the most painful moments in their history when they were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 tournament on home soil.
Under Ancelotti, Brazil are now looking to put those disappointments behind them and mount a serious challenge for the trophy.
With players such as Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes, Marquinhos and Cunha in the squad, the South American giants remain among the favourites to lift the title and add a sixth star to their famous yellow jersey.
For Cunha, the victory over Japan was not only about progressing in the competition but also about defending the pride and legacy of one of football’s most successful national teams.
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