Brazil forward Matheus Cunha has defended his country's footballing history after responding to comments made by Japan striker Kento Shiogai following Brazil's 2-1 victory at theFIFA World Cup. Brazil came from behind to win the Round of 32 tie, securing a place in the last 16.

Before the match, Shiogai questioned Brazil's standing in world football, saying the five-time world champions were 'no longer strong' and suggesting teams such as France and Argentina had become the leading international sides. He also said Neymar was no longer the player he once was.

After Brazil's victory, television coverage showed Cunha pointing to the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) crest on his shirt and gesturing towards the Japan bench. Speaking after the match, the Wolves forward said Shiogai's comments had motivated Brazil's players.

Asked about the gesture after the match, Cunha said he believed criticism from within Brazil was different from comments made by an opposing player.

Speaking in the mixed zone, Cunha said Brazil's players could accept criticism from fellow Brazilians but would unite when outsiders questioned the national team's achievements. He said the gesture was intended to defend Brazil's footballing tradition and show respect for the players who had represented the national team before him.

Cunha later reinforced that message on his Instagram Story, posting a photograph of himself alongside the captions: 'Never above anyone, but never below either' and 'Now you know a little more about us.'

Matheus Cunha on Instagram:“Never above anyone, but never below either. "“Now you know a little more about us 🇧🇷😘”pic.twitter.com/WBllfTpXL3

Shiogai made the remarks during an interview with Japanese television before the match. He questioned whether Brazil remained one of world football's leading nations, saying he now associated teams such as France and Argentina with the sport's highest level. He also suggested Neymar was no longer the player he had once been.

When discussing Brazil, he added: 'It used to be strong, but what about now? I have the image that France is strong. Argentina too. About Brazil, I haven't heard much lately.'

🚨🇧🇷 Matheus Cunha reveals his reaction showing 5 World Cups to Japan player Kento: “I have nothing against Japan, they are great but he said some things about Brazil that we can’t accept”.“It’s about respect for us and our shirt”. 👋🏼pic.twitter.com/lwAA4QtF7x

Source: International Business Times UK