India, June 30 -- Matheus Cunha did not hold back after Brazil escaped a World Cup scare on Monday to book their place in the Round of 16, firing back at Japan forward Kento Shiogai, who had questioned both Neymar and the Selecao ahead of their Round of 32 clash in Houston.

The build-up to the knockout tie had been dominated by Shiogai's remarks, in which the 21-year-old alluded to Brazil as a fading football power and suggested that Neymar was no longer the player he once was. Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti, however, refused to engage in what he described as Japan's "mind games", insisting his side would do their talking on the pitch.

"I don't hear much about Brazil these days. Brazil used to be a powerhouse, but now only France and...