Matheus Cunha celebrates after scoring during Brazil’s World Cup win over Haiti.
Matheus Cunha scores twice as Brazil secure a comfortable win and move closer to the World Cup knockout stage.
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Brazil revived their World Cup campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia on Friday, as Matheus Cunha scored twice to move the five-time champions closer to the last 32.
After criticism followed their opening 1-1 draw against Morocco, Carlo Ancelotti’s side responded with a dominant display and exposed the gap in quality against tournament newcomers Haiti.
Vinicius Junior added Brazil’s third goal before half-time to complete a comfortable evening for the Selecao.
The result leaves Brazil in a strong position ahead of their final Group C match against Scotland in Miami on June 24.
For Haiti, the defeat confirmed their elimination and ended hopes of extending their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
Brazil Respond After Slow Start
Ancelotti made several changes following Brazil’s disappointing opening match.
Matheus Cunha replaced Igor Thiago in attack, while Danilo came into the side at right-back.
Brazil quickly controlled possession and thought they had opened the scoring when Raphinha found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute.
Cunha won possession in midfield and continued his run into the box. After Vinicius Junior’s effort was blocked, Cunha reacted first and forced the loose ball into the net.
Cunha and Vinicius Take Control
Brazil continued to press and doubled their advantage through another move involving Cunha and Vinicius.
Vinicius slipped a pass behind the Haiti defence and Cunha finished powerfully despite losing balance.
Brazil suffered a setback when Raphinha left the pitch with an injury.
However, they added a third before half-time.
Lucas Paqueta delivered a floated pass into the area and Vinicius guided his finish through the legs of goalkeeper Johny Placide.
Haiti Exit But Continue Fighting
Despite travel restrictions affecting supporters, Haiti received strong backing from the local Haitian community inside the stadium.
Coach Sebastien Migne had encouraged his players to embrace the occasion after a narrow defeat against Scotland in their opening match.
Haiti nearly scored their first World Cup goal in 52 years early in the second half.
Ricardo Ade’s header forced Alisson Becker into a sharp save.
Brazil later introduced 19-year-old Endrick, whose arrival drew loud cheers from supporters.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli came close to adding another goal but struck the crossbar.
Haiti continued to attack late in the match, but Alisson produced two more saves to secure Brazil’s first clean sheet in seven games.
Brazil now hold a slight advantage over Morocco at the top of Group C on goal difference and remain firmly on course for the knockout stage.
