Brazil’s Vinicius Junior said he will not stop dancing to celebrate a goal at the World Cup as it is an expression of joy that is part of Brazilian culture.
Brazil thrashed South Korea 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 match on Monday, but it wasn’t just their footballing masterclass that grabbed everyone’s attention.
The Brazilian’s dance celebration as the goals flew drew criticism from pundits such as former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who felt it was ‘disrespectful’, generating a viral discussion online.
“Of course, some people like to complain when they see other people’s happiness and we Brazilians are a happy people, so it will always bother,” Vinicius told a news conference on Wednesday.
“The goal is the most important moment in football, it is even more important in the World Cup, so it is a happy moment not only for us, the players, but for our whole country.
“We still have many celebrations lined up, so we have to keep playing well, winning games and having fun in the process.
“We need to stay calm and focused because there are more people with us than against us.”
