Matheus Cunha delivered a decisive performance by scoring twice as Brazil secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti on Friday, reviving their hopes of advancing to the last 32 in the World Cup.
Following a widely criticized 1-1 draw against Morocco in their tournament opener, the five-time world champions demonstrated their superior class against Haiti, who have now become the first team to be eliminated from this World Cup.
Cunha opened the scoring with a somewhat scrappy goal in Philadelphia midway through the first half, then doubled Brazil’s advantage as the team, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, took control of the game. Before halftime, Vinicius Junior sealed the win with a third goal, putting the match beyond doubt.
Looking Ahead in Group C
Brazil will face Scotland in their final Group C fixture on June 24 in Miami. Currently, they hold a slight advantage over Morocco for the top spot in the group based on goal difference. Should Brazil finish first, their next opponent is expected to be the runner-up from Group F, likely to be one of the Netherlands, Japan, or Sweden.
For Haiti, their return to the World Cup stage after a long absence since 1974 will end following their upcoming match against Morocco in Atlanta.
Notably absent from Brazil’s squad was star player Neymar, who remains sidelined due to a calf injury. His absence prompted a lighthearted remark from Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who joked that Neymar was “working remotely”.
Responding to the underwhelming display against Morocco, Ancelotti implemented changes by introducing United forward Matheus Cunha in place of Brentford’s Igor Thiago, a move that clearly paid off in revitalizing Brazil’s attacking threat and securing a vital win.