Brazil right-back Dani Alves has labelled Alan Shearer "idiotic" following the BBC pundit's criticism of striker Fred.
The Seleção face Cameroon in their final group game needing just a point to set up a last 16 tie with either Holland or Chile, however concerns are growing over Brazil's striker dilemma.
Fluminense forward Fred was criticised for appearing to dive to win Brazil a penalty in their opening win against Croatia, and Shearer opined after the goalless Mexico draw the 30-year-old "doesn't move, he doesn't shoot and he's dragging the team down."
Alves was angered by the comments and launched an impassioned defence of his teammate.
"Those comments are some of the most idiotic that anyone can ever say," Alves told reporters at Brazil's base camp just outside Rio de Janeiro.
"Someone who played football, who knows how difficult it is to be a football player, how difficult it is to beat opponents, compete, score goals, it's a shame for football and a lack of respect for his colleagues that play the game. It's something to be ashamed of."