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World Cup: Japanese forward's comments on Neymar spark anger, Brazil captain calls them arrogant

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A Japanese forward's comments suggesting Neymar is no longer as strong as he once was have angered the Brazilian team.
  • The Japanese player questioned Brazil's current strength compared to teams like France and Argentina.
  • Brazil's captain stated the comments were arrogant and that the team would prove their strength on the field.

Comments made by a young Japanese forward have ignited controversy ahead of their World Cup clash with five-time champions Brazil. The player, Kenyu Sugiya, reportedly stated that Brazil is not as formidable as in the past, suggesting that France and Argentina might be stronger.

Sugiya's remarks, made during a training session interview, questioned Brazil's current prowess. When pressed by reporters about whether contemporary players view other nations as stronger than Brazil, he responded, "I can't say for sure, but it feels like France and Argentina are stronger. Brazil doesn't seem as talked about."

That was the Neymar of the past! There should be no problem now. Japan's defenders have many excellent players, so it's not an issue.

— Kenyu SugiyaCommenting on Neymar's current form and Japan's defensive capabilities.

He also specifically addressed Brazilian star Neymar, saying, "That was the Neymar of the past! There should be no problem now. Japan's defenders have many excellent players, so it's not an issue."

His words are a bit arrogant. Brazil is still a great team, and we just need to show our strength tomorrow.

— MarquinhosResponding to the Japanese forward's comments about Brazil and Neymar.

Brazil's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, dismissed the comments, stating the team would not engage in psychological warfare. However, Brazilian captain Marquinhos offered a more direct response, calling Sugiya's remarks "a bit arrogant." He added, "Brazil is still a great team, and we just need to show our strength tomorrow."

Marquinhos acknowledged hearing the comments but believes they can serve as motivation. "We all know that every touch is decisive, and we'll leave those kinds of words to them. Hopefully, it will be the motivation for us to fight hard and strive for victory in tomorrow's match."

We all know that every touch is decisive, and we'll leave those kinds of words to them. Hopefully, it will be the motivation for us to fight hard and strive for victory in tomorrow's match.

— MarquinhosExpressing how the opposing team's comments will fuel Brazil's performance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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