Brazil reignited their World Cup campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti in Philadelphia, a performance that restored confidence after their heavily criticised opening draw with Morocco. Matheus Cunha delivered the spark his team desperately needed, scoring twice, while Vinícius Júnior added a stylish third to seal the result before half‑time.
The five‑time champions looked sharper, faster and far more cohesive than in their first outing. Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to refresh the starting XI paid immediate dividends, with Cunha replacing Igor Thiago and Danilo stepping in at right‑back. Brazil controlled the tempo from the outset and thought they had an early lead through Raphinha, only for the flag to intervene.
The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when Cunha won possession in midfield, followed the attack and capitalised on a loose clearance to bundle the ball over the line. Minutes later, he struck again this time with a powerful left‑footed finish after a clever through‑ball from Vinícius. The Real Madrid star then added a goal of his own, running onto Lucas Paquetá’s floated pass and slipping the ball through Johny Placide’s legs.
Haiti, backed passionately by their large diaspora in the United States, fought hard for a historic moment and nearly found it when Ricardo Adé forced Alisson into a sharp save from a corner. But Brazil’s control never truly wavered. The introduction of teenage sensation Endrick drew huge cheers, and Gabriel Martinelli rattled the crossbar as the Seleção pushed for a fourth.
Neymar, still recovering from a calf injury, remained in New Jersey, prompting Brazil’s president to jokingly suggest the star was “working remotely.” Even without him, Brazil secured their first clean sheet in seven matches and now sit atop Group C on goal difference. A win over Scotland in Miami on June 24 would secure first place and a favourable path into the knockout rounds.
Haiti’s first World Cup appearance since 1974 will conclude against Morocco in Atlanta, but their spirited effort earned admiration from the crowd.
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