Ange Postecoglou appeared to take a veiled dig at Rangers during ITV's World Cup coverage, joking that the five stars on Brazil's shirt actually mean something. The former Celtic boss, serving as a pundit for the broadcaster, made the remark while analysing Japan's clash with the five-time world champions on Monday night.
Postecoglou's Punditry and the 'Five Star' Comment
Postecoglou, who knows Japanese football well from his time managing in the country, was not surprised when Hajime Moriyasu's team took a first-half lead against Brazil. However, Brazil eventually prevailed, with Casemiro equalising within 10 minutes of the restart and Gabriel Martinelli scoring a winner deep into stoppage time.
Brazil, who hold the record for World Cup wins with five, could add a sixth star above their badge if they triumph again. In Scottish football, Rangers also display stars above their badge, with one star for every 10 league titles won, currently totalling 55. Celtic, by contrast, have a single star commemorating their European Cup win in 1967.
When asked whether Japan would feel intimidated by facing Brazil, Postecoglou said: "I think Brazil does (naturally intimidate opponents). They walk out with a shirt with five stars that actually means something, winning at this level. There is still that fear factor with them." The derisory tone in his voice left no doubt he was being mischievous, and Celtic fans quickly took to social media, noting he 'knew what he was doing' and 'put the boot in'.
Praise for Daizen Maeda
Postecoglou also took the opportunity to praise Celtic forward Daizen Maeda, whose pressing was central to Japan's strong World Cup showing. "I've coached Maeda and I've said it before, this guy is absolutely world class at this," Postecoglou said. "It may seem like a small thing but his pressing ability... just watch him close down space. He takes a touch and before you know it he's on the ball. If they can keep that intensity up at different moments and regulate it, they're going to make it awfully hard."
