One of Matheus Cunha’s former coaches has revealed his true feelings on the Manchester United star’s performances at the World Cup with Brazil.
Brazil have reached the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup after Carlo Ancelotti’s men secured a hard-fought win over Japan on Tuesday.
Matheus Cunha led the frontline for the round-of-32 clash against Japan and the Manchester United star was pulled off in the 66th minute for Gabriel Martinelli.
The 27-year-old Brazilian forward was unable to find the back of the net or pick up an assist in Tuesday’s World Cup clash at the NRG Stadium in Houston.
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Jose Sebastiao Xavier de Barros on Man Utd star Matheus Cunha being at the World Cup with Brazil
Jose Sebastiao Xavier de Barros, better known as Barao Xavier, was a pivotal figure for Matheus Cunha during the Brazil international’s youth development.
Cunha is at his first World Cup with Brazil and has been playing a major role for Carlo Ancelotti, who has relied on the former Wolves ace as a key forward option.
Barao Xavier admitted that he was overwhelmed by seeing Manchester United star Cunha live out his biggest dream by playing for Brazil at the World Cup.
“I froze. I couldn’t react because you always hope for it, but you never know what your reaction will be,” he told Globo Esporte.
“In a few seconds, your whole life flashes before your eyes. I remembered him at eight years old, then bringing him into the project at nine, then becoming the best player in the world at a youth tournament in Switzerland when he was 10 or 11.”
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Cunha has netted three times in his four appearances for Brazil this summer and has started in the last three matches for the five-time World Cup champions.
Speaking on the challenges that Cunha has faced, Barao Xavier said: “I remembered when he broke his ankle when he was 15.
“Then, when he was 16 and got cut from a trip to Italy. That was the moment everything changed. He cried a lot.
“His father wanted to take him home, but I told him to stay and get to know the club.”
Brazil will play their round-of-16 clash on 5th July at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and will face the winner of the Ivory Coast and Norway’s round-of-32 tie.
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