KUCHING: Man United’s Matheus Cunha scored twice and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior added another as Brazil secured their first win of the FIFA World Cup with a convincing 3-0 victory over Haiti today (MST) boosting their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
After being held to a draw by Morocco in their opening Group C match, Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrived needing a response and delivered it with a dominant first-half display in Philadelphia of the United States.
Brazil thought they had taken an early lead when Raphinha found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 23rd minute, albeit in fortunate fashion.
Vinicius saw his initial effort parried by goalkeeper Johny Placide before Haiti defender Hannes Delcroix inadvertently kicked the loose ball against Cunha, with the ricochet finding its way into the net.
Cunha’s second goal 13 minutes later was far more emphatic.
Released by a perfectly weighted pass from Vinicius, the Manchester United forward burst into the penalty area before unleashing a fierce left-footed strike into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
The striker’s brace capped an outstanding first-half performance and justified Ancelotti’s faith in selecting him to lead the line.
Brazil put the result beyond doubt deep into first-half stoppage time when Lucas Paqueta floated a pass over the Haitian defence, allowing Vinicius to race clear and calmly slot past Placide for his second goal of the tournament.
The only concern for Brazil came shortly before the break when Raphinha was forced off with a suspected muscle injury.
Haiti emerged with greater purpose after the restart and threatened to pull a goal back through Ricardo Ade, whose glancing header forced Alisson into a fine save.
Wilson Isidor also tested the Brazilian goalkeeper from a tight angle as Haiti continued to search for a breakthrough.
Brazil remained dangerous on the counter and thought they had added a fourth goal when substitute Endrick found the net in the 78th minute, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.
With the outcome already decided, Ancelotti’s men comfortably managed the closing stages to claim a crucial three points.
The victory moves Brazil firmly back into contention in Group C ahead of their final group-stage clash against Scotland, while Haiti face an uphill battle to keep their World Cup campaign alive.
