Kento Shiogai, a Japanese forward for Wolfsburgo who had barely played any minutes as a substitute at the World Cup, dropped a bombshell before the round-of-32 clash against Brazil: he said that France and Argentina are the great powers of football today and that “he hasn’t heard much about Brazil lately”. As if that weren’t enough, he added that Neymar “is no longer the Neymar he used to be”. His statements, reported by O Globo and Lance!, went around the world within hours. 🔥
During the clash between the two national teams, Shiogai’s words seemed to be coming true, as Japan took the lead with a goal from Kaishu Sano; but the advantage would not last forever, as Casemiro scored the equalizer and Gabriel Martinelli would become the hero of the day with a dramatic goal that secured Brazil’s qualification.
In this way, the Japanese national team was eliminated and the barbs were aimed at Kento’s statements, as he did not play a single minute in the match. Did the Asian footballer speak too soon? 🤔🇯🇵