Matheus Cunha Fires Back at Japan Star

Matheus Cunha hit back at Japan star Shiogai with a five-word taunt after Brazil's 2-1 World Cup win.

The match saw Brazil recover from an early setback to book their place in the round of 16.

Brazil were put under pressure by Japan in Houston, with Kaishu Sano giving them a surprise lead before the half-hour mark.

The Selecao improved after the break and levelled through Casemiro in the 56th minute.

Gabriel Martinelli then sealed a dramatic 2-1 victory in the 96th minute, with his close-range finish crossing the line after striking the post.

Shiogai had claimed that Brazil were no longer as respected as before, and said Neymar "wasn't the same anymore".

His comments were later described by Carlo Ancelotti as "mind games", but they appeared to provide extra motivation for the Brazilian squad.

Matheus Cunha was seen holding up five fingers in reference to Brazil's five World Cup titles before directing a five-word taunt at Shiogai: "Five World Cups... you small!"

Brazil now head into the round of 16 with renewed confidence after producing a comeback under pressure.

Their second-half performance offers hope, but a tougher test awaits, with either Ivory Coast or Norway as their next opponents in the knockout stage.

Carlo Ancelotti hailed Brazil's fighting spirit, highlighting the importance of his bench, which proved to be the difference-maker as the Selecao wrestled back control of the tie in the closing stages.

Ancelotti told reporters after the match: "We have a lot of options, on the bench and on the pitch. Japan are not an easy team. They’re an organised side, very intense."

The Italian tactician was full of praise for how his squad handled the pressure, and Brazil will look to build on this momentum in their next match.