Matheus Cunha has said becoming an internet meme wasnt my intention after the Brazil forward drew attention for holding five fingers up to Japan players and telling them to show respect following their 2-1 defeat to the Selecao in the last 32 of the World Cup 2026 on Monday. Manchester Uniteds Cunha symbolised Brazils record five titles after they recovered from being behind at half-time to Kaishu Sanos long-range opener, equalising through one of Cunhas former Old Trafford teammates, Casemiro, before Arsenals Gabriel Martinelli struck from inside the box in the 96th minute.A lot of people were talking about it, said Cunha, referencing Wolfsburg and Japan forward Kento Shiogais widely reported pre-match comments that Brazil are no longer a great team.My friends sent it to me that there was, unfortunately, this player who made those remarks against us, showing little knowledge about our national team.Its very good to remind them that we always try to be very humble, very simple. We dont want to be better than anyone but we will never have anyone be better than us.So its good to put him in his place. I hope next time he can be more careful about who he messes with.Table of ContentsBrazil vs Japan: Why Cunha respects World Cup opponentsWorld Cup 2026: Cunha hurt before Brazil vs JapanWhy were Japan confident against Brazil at the World Cup?World Cup 2026: Gabriel, Casemiro on BrazilWorld Cup 2026: Brazil scheduleBrazil vs Japan: Why Cunha respects World Cup opponentsCunha emphasised his admiration for Japan and was also seen consoling the beaten players, including an embrace with Leeds Uniteds Ao Tanaka.We always have so much respect for the Japanese national team, said the 27-year-old.We speak with pride about how difficult it is to play against them and how much they have improved within world football.They are one of the teams, in my opinion, [who play] the best football. Every single game against Japan is such a good game.World Cup 2026: Cunha hurt before Brazil vs JapanKendrick Lamars Humble was Cunhas song of choice to accompany a social media post in which he shared a photo of himself pointing a finger on the pitch after the match, adding now you know a little more about us and never above anyone, but never below either in captions.Ive seen very little on social media, but [a meme] wasnt my intention, he reflected. It was truly just a bit of a provocation because of what we felt.We know how huge it is, how much history this shirt has and how hard we fought to be wearing it. So having someone who isnt even Brazilian talking about us hurts even more, you know?Us talking about ourselves, we can even accept that. But [when its] from the outside, then we close ranks and well fight anyone.Why were Japan confident against Brazil at the World Cup?Including friendlies, Japan had been on a 10-match unbeaten run since September 2025 that included a 3-2 comeback win over Brazil in Tokyo and a 1-0 victory against England at Wembley Stadium.They drew with the Netherlands and Sweden either side of thrashing Tunisia 4-0 during the group stage, while Brazil drew with Morocco and beat Haiti and Scotland 3-0.We faced a national team that is very well coached, observed Brazil centre-back Gabriel. Theyve been playing together for a few years.We knew the match would be difficult, we knew the game plan they had. In the second half, we managed to create more scoring opportunities and we were happy.World Cup 2026: Gabriel, Casemiro on BrazilMartinelli coolly slotted in from Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes inspired pass to send Brazil through in dramatic style.Gabi is my little brother, said Gabriel. Weve been together for six years at Arsenal, since I arrived. He welcomed me very well.Im very happy for him because hes a boy who works hard. I always tell him that he can decide a match at any moment, and thats what happened.Casemiro, who left United at the end of last season, praised Gabriel for a perfect delivery for his goal.When we score, everyone scores and when we suffer, everyone suffers, said the 34-year-old. Everyone deserves credit.World Cup 2026: Brazil scheduleHeres when Brazils last-16 match takes place in different territories. Ivory Coast and Norway meet on Tuesday (18:00 BST) for the right to be their opponents.DateFixtureVenueBST start timeETPTSunday, July 5Brazil vs Ivory Coast / NorwayNew Jersey21:0016:0013:00 Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Arsenal F.C. Brazil National Football Team Bruno Guimaraes Casemiro FIFA World Cup Gabriel Magalh�es Gabriel Martinelli Japan National Football Team Matheus Cunha World Cup World Cup 2026 Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Mexico v Ecuador: Line-ups, where to watch, stats and preview as co-hosts seek to end fifth game wait Nicholas McGee 30th June, 2026 Van Dijk despairs after Netherlands World Cup exit: The most terrible moments for a footballer Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Neymar: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, results, kick off times, confirmed injury news updates, full Brazil squad Ben Miller 30th June, 2026 Casemiro backs Brazil to win 2026 World Cup after Martinellis 95th-minute winner vs Japan Jon Fisher 29th June, 2026 Brazil 2-1 Japan: Martinelli scores 95th-minute winner to send Selecao into last 16 Nicholas McGee 29th June, 2026
