- Title: Brazil's dancing about happiness, not disrespect - Vinicius Jr
- Date: 7th December 2022
- Summary: DOHA, QATAR (DECEMBER 7, 2022) (REUTERS) (NIGHT SHOTS) BRAZIL WINGER, VINICIUS JR ARRIVING AT PRESS CONFERENCE / SITTING DOWN VARIOUS OF VINICIUS JR DURING PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) WINGER, VINICIUS JR, SAYING: "The goal is the most important moment in football, where not only are we very happy, but now at the World Cup, a whole country is. We still have a lot more celebrating to do. I hope we can keep doing lots of dancing and playing well to reach the final with this rhythm of play.†VINICIUS JR LISTENING TO QUESTION DURING PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) WINGER, VINICIUS JR, SAYING: “People like to complain when they see others happy, and Brazilians are always very happy, so we will always affect them a lot. We can continue with our joy and with our tranquillity, because there are many more people for us than against us.†VARIOUS OF VINICIUS JR DURING PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) WINGER, VINICIUS JR, SAYING: "Every game I believe we have to improve, now we have a very different opponent than Korea was. They will play more on the defensive line, to try to take away our attacking power, which is our biggest quality. Every game we try to improve, the coach gives us the opponent's analysis in a very easy way to understand what we need to do during the match. I am 22 years old and I need to improve day by day, in every training, in every match and I have learned a lot in this cup!" VARIOUS OF VINICIUS JR SPEAKING DURING PRESS CONFERENCE (SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) WINGER, VINICIUS JR, SAYING: "Croatia has the same team that was playing in the final against France in the last World Cup and we always need to be prepared, not only against Luka Modric, but with all the players in this team. They are always well prepared and play at big clubs and they will give their best to try and beat us." VINICIUS JR STANDING UP AND LEAVING
- Embargoed: 21st December 2022 18:23
- Keywords: Brazil Croatia Dejan Lovren Neymar Qatar Quarter Final World Cup
- Location: DOHA, QATAR
- City: DOHA, QATAR
- Country: Qatar
- Topics: Middle East,Sport,World Cup
- Reuters ID: LVA001515807122022RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Brazil's Vinicius Jr said they would not stop dancing to celebrate goals at the World Cup as it was an expression of happiness that was part of Brazilian culture.
Brazil thrashed South Korea 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 match on Monday, but it was not just their footballing masterclass that caught the eye.
Brazil's dancing celebrations as the goals flew in sparked criticism from pundits like former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who felt it was 'disrespectful', which generated a viral discussion online.
"Sure, some love to complain when they see other people's happiness and we Brazilians are a joyful people, so it will always bother," Vinicius told a news conference on Wednesday.
"The goal is the most important moment in football, in a World Cup it is even more important so it's a moment of joy not only for us, players, but for our entire country.
"We still have many celebrations ready, so we need to keep playing better, winning games and stay joyful in the process.
"We need to stay calm and focus because there are more people with us than against us."
Even ever-serious Brazil coach Tite joined in the celebrations, with an awkward imitation of striker Richarlison's 'pigeon dance'.
Brazil's players rushed over to the dugout after Tottenham forward Richarlison put the five-times world champions 3-0 up inside 30 minutes and Tite briefly joined in with the dancing.
"I try to adapt to the characteristics of the players," the 61-year-old said when asked about his moves at a news conference on Monday.
"They are very young and I try to adapt a bit to their language, and part of their language is dancing."
Vinicius Jr lauded Tite's leadership and ability as a mentor and the impact that both had in his development as a player.
The 22-year-old has become a key part of Brazil's team that is bidding for a record-extending sixth World Cup title after a brilliant season with Real Madrid.
He scored the Spanish giants' winner in the Champions League final against Liverpool and finished eighth in the Ballon D'Or ballot last month.
"I always try to evolve, not only here, but at the club where I have more time to work," said Vinicius.
"(Real Madrid coach Carlo) Ancelotti helps me a lot and he sometimes works together with Tite, they communicate and are very similar in the way they talk and relate to the players.
"In football, even more so at the top level, you don't have time to complain, you have to evolve, learn."
Brazil face Croatia in their World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
(Production: Leonardo Benassatto) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
- Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2022. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
- Usage Terms/Restrictions: None