Matheus Cunha showed real class after Brazil beat Japan to advance to the World Cup, but the Manchester United attacker endured a forgettable game before being sent off.
Matheus Cunha consoles Aoi Tanaka after Brazil defeated Japan to advance to the World Cup (Image: Etsuo Hara)
Matheus Cunha is too humble to compare himself to Neymar. Talking about himself in the same breath as Brazil’s all-time greatest goalscorer would never enter his mind.
Since joining Manchester United, Cunha has impressed executives and staff with how down-to-earth he is. He has been seen working out extra sessions in the players’ gym at Carrington. He volunteered for community projects and appearances, even when he didn’t have to.
And if more proof was needed, Cunha, despite his wealth and fame, remains an honest and likable person, which was evident at Houston Stadium after Brazil’s thrilling victory over Japan.
When the final whistle blew, Cunha celebrated. Before I knew it, it became a moment where kindness was more important than personal happiness.
Cunha made a beeline for Leeds United midfielder Ao Tanaka, who was in tears.
Japan conceded a goal in stoppage time in the second half and lost the game, unable to advance to the round of 16 and having to return home.
Cunha put her arm around Tanaka and spoke words of comfort to him. It was an emotional moment. It embodies everything about Cunha.
This leads to a troubling story about Cunha. Because there is a general feeling that he is not a good footballer and lacks the guts necessary to be a great footballer.
Japanese players were devastated after losing to Brazil
Cunha has been a key figure in Brazil’s success so far. He gave Carlo Ancelotti another reason not to trust Neymar, who missed the last three seasons but is fit and available again.
Brazilian supporters are used to wearing the traditional number 9. But Cunha is different. He can play this role and he can also play number 10. He can score goals, he can score goals.
However, in the match against Japan, they were unable to do either of those things. Like the players around him, Cunha looked lost in the first half, when Brazil failed to register a single shot on target.
He wasn’t creative. He wasn’t physical. He wasn’t scoring chances or creating chances. His one shot on target failed to test Japanese goalkeeper Zion Suzuki.
In the end, Ancelotti had enough foresight to pull Cunha. He lasted several minutes over an hour.
Cunha looked like someone who couldn’t get off the pitch quickly. That was the fastest he moved all game.
And his substitution became Ancelotti’s new masterstroke. Gabriel Martinelli, who replaced Cunha, won the match with almost the last kick.
Gabriel Martinelli replaced Cunha as Brazil’s hero
Cunha has a lot of talent. Almost as much as sympathy. But what Ancelotti is most interested in is what he does with his legs and head, not his heart.
Ancelotti needs more from Cunha if Brazil are to have a realistic chance of winning their first World Cup since 2002.
But solid evidence suggests that even this control will not elevate Cunha to the level of the country’s true greats.
And when Neymar decides to take time out of his international career and pass the baton to someone else, it is likely to go to Vinicius Junior rather than Cunha.
Sign up now for the Make Football Great Again newsletter and get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox!
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Upgrade your World Cup TV setup with Sky Glass ‘designed for soccer’
From £4.50
sky
Get the deal here
Sky is marking the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 20% discount on its entire range of glass TVs. Until June 17, shoppers can upgrade to a Sky smart TV ‘designed for football’ from £4.50 a month when taken with a Sky TV and Netflix package.
