Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes has acknowledged the passionate support of Bangladeshi fans ahead of the team’s World Cup round of 16 clash with Norway in New Jersey on 6 July, joining teammates Alisson, Casemiro and Matheus Cunha in recognising the fanbase.
Speaking at the pre match press conference, the Newcastle United midfielder said the squad had been moved by footage of celebrations from both countries. “We know that the national team represents a lot, we’ve received some videos of the celebrations in Brazil and Bangladesh, which gives us a lot of confidence,” he said, according to Brazilian outlet Globo.
Guimaraes revealed the players had gone a step further, recording a video message of thanks for supporters in Bangladesh, though it has yet to be shared publicly. “We even got together with some players and sent them a video thanking them,” he said.
The midfielder, speaking through a translation app after a question from a Bangladeshi journalist at the press conference, reflected on the scale of the connection. “There are a lot of Brazil supporters in Bangladesh. They love us. We have seen videos of Brazil’s supporters in Bangladesh,” he said.
Guimaraes also drew on childhood memories to explain the depth of feeling supporters carry for the national team. “When we were young, we would get together with friends and family, have a barbecue, and support the national team. We want to stay united just like our supporters. We want to make history, we want to bring home the sixth title,” he said.
Bangladesh has never played at a World Cup and has appeared only once at the continental Asia Cup, in 1980, yet the country’s fervent support for Brazil and Argentina resurfaces every tournament and continues to draw international attention. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni referenced similar Bangladeshi support during a press conference at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and Guimaraes’s comments extend that recognition to Brazil’s own camp this year.
The midfielder has been one of Brazil’s standout performers so far, anchoring the midfield and providing the late assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s winner in the 2-1 victory over Japan in the last 32. “I’ve been performing very well in what the coach has been asking of me. I’ve been excelling in assists, but my football isn’t just about that. It’s about getting the ball to the other players so they can create chances, score, and be willing to run a lot, which is what I’ve been doing even in this heat. Tomorrow we have an important step in our journey,” he said.
Guimaraes was surprised to learn he had covered 44.4 kilometres so far at the tournament, among the highest distances of any player. “I didn’t know that. But I have run a lot in the last few matches. It’s my natural characteristic. When I wear the national team shirt, I want to give my best. As long as I need to be on the pitch, I am ready. I am ready to run the same way again if needed,” he said.
Brazil have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings, a record Guimaraes said the squad was determined to put right. “This is also a big motivation for us. We want to break that negative record. It has been a long time since the two teams met, and a lot has changed. We want to write our own history and add a new chapter to Brazilian football history,” he said.
The 28 year old also reflected candidly on his limited involvement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he made just 67 minutes across two substitute appearances. “The last World Cup was a big lesson for me. I wanted to contribute more. Honestly, even when I got the chance, I didn’t meet my own expectations. Playing at the World Cup is the biggest dream of my life. I have learned from that experience, so that I can do even better this time,” he said.
Brazil face Norway on 6 July for a place in the quarter finals, where the winner will meet either England or Mexico.
