Scoring 4 Goals and Dancing with the Coach... Controversy Over "Brazil's Rude Behavior"

Early Goal Followed by Team Dance... Even the Coach Joins the Celebration
Football Legend Roy Keane Criticizes "Disrespectful Behavior Towards Opponents"
Brazil Coach Says "No Intention to Offend"

Brazilian players performing a dance ceremony during the match against Korea. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Lee Gyehwa] The Brazilian national football team faced criticism for showing a lack of respect to their opponents by dancing after each goal, despite scoring four goals against South Korea.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Paulo Bento, was eliminated after losing 1-4 to Brazil, ranked number one by FIFA, in the Round of 16 of the 2022 Qatar World Cup held at Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, at 4 a.m. KST on the 6th. South Korea's historic attempt to reach the quarterfinals on foreign soil for the first time in World Cup history was also thwarted.

After scoring, the Brazilian players, excluding goalkeeper Alisson, gathered together to celebrate. They then performed a separate dance ceremony.

Vinicius danced with Paqueta, Neymar, and Raphinha after scoring the opening goal. The same four appeared again after Neymar’s penalty kick. Richarlison, who scored the third goal, ran to the bench and performed a dance ceremony with the bench members and the coach.

On the 6th (Korean time) at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar, during the Round of 16 match of the 2022 Qatar World Cup between South Korea and Brazil, Lucas Paqueta celebrated with his teammates after scoring the team's fourth goal. Photo by Yonhap News

Football legend Roy Keane: "Disrespectful behavior towards the opposing team"

Paqueta also showcased a solo performance after scoring the fourth goal. Some viewed it as showing the spirit of the 'Samba Army.' However, foreign media criticized it as "disrespectful behavior towards the opposing team," since it is rare for a coach to join in a dance celebration.

Roy Keane, the Irish football legend who commentates for the UK’s ITV, expressed discomfort, saying, "I have never seen so much dancing." He criticized, "People might say this is Brazilian culture, but from my perspective, it is an act lacking respect for the opposing team."

Keane pointed out, "They scored four goals and danced after each one. While it might be acceptable after the first goal, doing it every time, and even having the coach join in, was unpleasant to watch," adding, "Brazilian players showed a lack of consideration for their opponents, South Korea."

Brazilian Coach: "There was absolutely no intention to offend the opponent"

Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, the Brazilian national team coach, apologized, saying, "There was absolutely no intention to offend the opponent." He explained, "For the team to become one, players need to blend into the overall team atmosphere. They had to get used to dancing and joking around. Since they were doing it, I also tried my best to join in."

On the morning of the 6th (Korean time), before the Round of 16 match between Korea and Brazil at the 974 Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Brazil's coach Tite came down to the ground and responded to the crowd's cheers. Photo by Yonhap News

He added, "Because I, as the coach, behaved this way, some people might misunderstand. I hope people will focus only on the positive aspects when the team achieves results."

Brazilian media also reported that the celebrations were not meant to mock the Korean players. Brazilian outlet O Jogo reported, "Even before the World Cup, Brazilian players danced during goal celebrations." Local media Terra mentioned, "Brazilian players decided to dance to protest against the racial discrimination Vinicius experienced."

Brazil will face Croatia, the runner-up of the 2018 Russia World Cup, in the quarterfinals. Croatia advanced to the quarterfinals after a 1-1 draw with Japan and a 3-1 victory in the penalty shootout.