Brazil produced an impressive display to defeat Haiti 3-0 on Friday, securing their first victory of the FIFA World Cup campaign and eliminating their opponents from the tournament. Matheus Cunha scored twice, while Vinicius Junior added the other goal as Carlo Ancelotti’s side climbed to the top of Group C on goal difference.
The Selecao bounced back strongly after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco. As a result, Brazil moved to four points, ahead of Morocco on goal difference, while Scotland remained on three points following their 1-0 victory over Haiti earlier in the day.
Ancelotti handed Cunha a starting role in place of Igor Thiago, and the decision paid off immediately. The striker linked effectively with Vinicius throughout the match and delivered his first two goals at a World Cup.
Brazil broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Vinicius cut inside from the left and forced goalkeeper Johny Placide into a save. However, Cunha reacted quickly to pressure Haiti’s defence and bundled the loose ball over the line.
The pair combined again in the 36th minute after Brazil launched a swift counterattack. Vinicius released Cunha with a perfectly timed pass, and the forward finished confidently into the top corner to double the lead.
Vinicius completed the scoring before halftime to cap an outstanding attacking performance as Brazil controlled possession and created several clear opportunities. However, the victory was slightly overshadowed when winger Raphinha left the field in the 40th minute with an apparent leg injury after earlier having a goal ruled out for offside.
Haiti showed determination despite the defeat and nearly scored after the break when captain Ricardo Ade forced goalkeeper Alisson into an excellent reaction save from a corner. Nevertheless, the Caribbean side became the first team eliminated from the tournament after suffering their second consecutive defeat.
