Matheus Cunha, the Manchester United forward, demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship by consoling Japan's Ao Tanaka after Brazil's dramatic 2-1 victory at the World Cup on Monday. The win, secured by a 96th-minute goal from Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, propelled Carlo Ancelotti's side into the Round of 16.
Match Summary
Japan took the lead through Kaishu Sano on the half-hour mark, stunning Brazil's supporters. However, the Selecao mounted a second-half comeback, with former Manchester United midfielder Casemiro equalising with a powerful header. Deep into stoppage time, Gabriel Martinelli fired home the winner, leaving Japan's players crestfallen.
Ao Tanaka, the Leeds United midfielder, was among those in tears after his mistake led to Martinelli's goal. Cunha, who started his third consecutive match for Brazil before being substituted, left the celebrations to offer comfort to the distraught Tanaka.
Moment of Class
Former Liverpool and England defender Stephen Warnock, speaking on the BBC, analysed Tanaka's error: 'Japan defended so well throughout, but Ao Tanaka makes an error. Bruno Guimaraes's ball splits the defenders, and Gabriel Martinelli has the presence to stun the first touch and send it in. It's a moment of brilliance from Brazil at the most crucial time.'
Cunha's gesture was widely praised, as he prioritised consoling an opponent over celebrating with his teammates. Tanaka, 27, had featured in Japan's last two World Cup games after starting the tournament on the bench. He began the 2022 World Cup as a reserve before earning a starting berth.
Player Backgrounds
Prior to his move to Leeds, Tanaka played in the Bundesliga for Fortuna Dusseldorf from 2021 to 2024. Cunha, also 27, spent time in Germany from 2018 to 2023 before joining Wolves. Martinelli, meanwhile, was an unexpected addition to Brazil's World Cup squad after a mixed season at Arsenal, where he often served as second-choice to Leandro Trossard.
Martinelli's Reaction
Martinelli expressed his delight after the match: 'It represents so much. My whole family is watching, my friends at home, our people are celebrating. I'm so elated and really proud, and it gives us confidence to move forward. We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground, and good things can happen.'
Looking Ahead
Brazil will face the winner of the tie between Norway and Ivory Coast in the Round of 16. The Selecao have not appeared in a World Cup final since 2002. Japan, who were eliminated in the 2022 Round of 16 by Croatia on penalties, also suffered a last-16 exit to Belgium via a stoppage-time winner in 2018.
