Japanese man who angered Cunha explains himself after elimination for Brazil in the World Cup

Japanese striker Kento Shiogai, eliminated by the Brazilian team this Monday, became persona non grata among Brazilians at the World Cup after stating, on the eve of the duel, that Brazil "is not the same as it used to be". The player had also criticized Neymar's moment.

After the match, which ended with a thrilling 2-1 comeback for Brazil, at NRG Stadium, in Houston, Shiogai explained himself and regretted the defeat. "I didn't mean to say that Brazil is weak," he stated. "I just wanted to say that Neymar's goals are in the past," said the Japanese.

Shiogai did not even enter the field in the round of 32 clash, remaining on the bench of the team led by Hajime Moriyasu. At the end of the match, he was provoked by Matheus Cunha and other players. Regarding the episode, he commented: "I don't think there's anything I can do now that things have reached this point."

"Of course they are strong. But I think we had a chance of beating them and we reached almost the same level as them in terms of strength", he concluded.

The 21-year-old played for just six minutes at the World Cup, coming on in the second half of Japan's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands, in the Asians' debut in Group F. From then on, until elimination, he did not return to the team.

Despite the explanation, Brazilian fans did not forgive. The player's official profile on social media was taken over by provocations, insults, Neymar gifs and messages like "you have to respect".

Matheus Cunha also seemed uncomfortable with the statement. In addition to returning the provocation on the field, the Brazilian also published a story on Instagram that said: "never above anyone, but never below either" and "now you know a little more about us".

Matheus Cunha on Instagram after the match against Japan - Reproduction
Next games
The team led by Carlo Ancelotti returns to the field on Sunday, at 5pm (Brasília time), at the MetLife Stadium, in East Rutherford, for the round of 16. The opponent will emerge from the clash between Ivory Coast and Norway, which face each other this Tuesday, at 2pm (Brasília time), in Arlington.

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Source: CNN