“We still have many celebrations to come”: Vinicius Jr. won’t stop dancing
Brazil won’t stop dancing and celebrating, despite receiving criticism for being disrespectful to opponents.
When Brazil beat South Korea 4-1 to reach the World Cup quarterfinals, no one was happier than the players themselves. Their happiness showed after each goal, when they celebrated with a dance. However, not everyone saw it that way.
Brazil celebrations are about happiness
Brazil’s famous dancing goal celebrations may make some people smile, but it has caused others to criticize it, calling the act disrespectful to opponents. Journalists and pundits like former Manchester United player Roy Keane slammed them for the dancing.
The players as well as Brazil head coach Tite have explained that it’s part of the Brazilian culture and not meant to be disrespectful.
Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. insisted that they would not stop dancing. The critics can think what they want, but the dance is about happiness, not disrespect.
“Of course, people always like to complain when they see others happy,” said Vinicius. “And Brazilians are always happy, so we will always have that effect.”
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Brazil coach Tite even joined in the celebration dance when Richarlison scored their third goal against South Korea, imitating his “pigeon dance”. Tite has repeatedly defended the celebrations as something cultural.
“I won’t make comments about people who do not know Brazilian football history, Brazilian culture, the way each one of us is,” said Tite. “I respect the culture and the way I am, and this national team I play with. Having said this in terms of education we will definitely be identifying with [young people] and lots of other kids who will dance because that’s our culture when we score, and it’s not being disrespectful to anyone.”
More celebrations to come for Brazil
The goals are unlikely to stop when Brazil face Croatia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday. That means, the dancing won’t stop either.
“In soccer, the goal is the mot important moment, where not only are we very happy, but we’re now at the World Cup,” said Vinicius. “The whole country is happy for us, and we still have many celebrations to come.”
“I hope we can keep doing lots of dances and playing well to reach the final at this rhythm.”