Alisson thanks Bangladesh for unwavering support

Bangladesh's extraordinary passion for football has earned another heartfelt acknowledgement from a global superstar, with Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker thanking the country's fans for their unwavering support during the FIFA World Cup.

Just days after Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez expressed his admiration for Bangladeshi supporters, Alisson had a similar reaction when approached by a Bangladeshi journalist after Brazil's dramatic Round of 32 victory over Japan in Houston.

Before the question was even asked, the Liverpool goalkeeper smiled and said, "Nice, Bangladesh! I've seen your videos. Thank you, Bangladesh, for supporting us."

Alisson revealed that he had watched clips on social media showing the remarkable World Cup atmosphere across Bangladesh, where supporters regularly fill streets and public squares to watch matches on giant screens.

Brazil's thrilling comeback against Japan provided another example. Although Gabriel Martinelli's stoppage-time winner arrived well after midnight in Bangladesh, fans celebrated across the country as if the match had been played in their own backyard. Similar scenes have accompanied almost every Brazil and Argentina game during the tournament.

Speaking to Bangladesh's World Cup broadcaster, Alisson sent a special message to those supporters.

"Yes, I've seen the videos. I want to thank all the people of Bangladesh for supporting us. We Brazilians love you. Thank you. God bless you," he said.

Brazil midfielder Casemiro, who was named Player of the Match after scoring the equaliser against Japan, had also thanked Bangladeshi fans during his post-match media duties.

The appreciation from Brazil comes shortly after Argentina's Emiliano Martínez won over Bangladeshi supporters by stopping to express his affection for the country after Argentina's match against Jordan, underlining the growing recognition among football's biggest stars of Bangladesh's unique World Cup culture.

Brazil eventually booked their place in the last 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Japan after recovering from an early deficit, with Casemiro levelling the score before Martinelli struck the decisive late winner.