Brazil beat Haiti 3-0 in World Cup Group C. Matheus Cunha scored twice, Vinicius junior add one. Raphinha injured, Endrick debuted. Brazil face Scotland next on Wednesday.
Matheus Cunha kick started Brazil's World Cup campaign with a clinical brace as Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised to a 3-0 win over Haiti in Group C at Lincoln Financial, Philadelphia stadium.
After is frustrating 1-1 draw with Morocco in their opener, Brazil needed a statement. Ancelotti's decision to drop Igor Thiago and start Manchester united Cunha paid off immediately. The result puts Brazil top of Group C on goal difference, ahead of Wednesday's final Group game vs Scotland.
CUNHA STRIKES TWICE TO SET THE TONE
Brazil started fast and Cunha rewarded them in the 23rd minute. Vinicius junior shot was saved, but Cunha reacted quickest to force the rebound over the line. He was fortunate VAR didn't rule it out after his boot caught defender Hannes Delcroox on the follow through, but the goal stood.
There aas no doubts about his second. On 36 minutes, Cunha cut inside and smashed a left footed rocket high into the near post while falling off balance. A striker's finish with the technique of a winger. 2-0 and game over before half time.
Vinicius Junior then capped Brazil's dominant first half in stoppage time, slotting his second goal of the tournament after neat interplay. 3-0 at the break and Ancelotti could relax.
INJURY BLOW AS REPHINHA EXITS, ENDRICK DEBUTS
The only negative for Brazil came in the 40th minute. Raphinha pulled up clutching his hamstring and went off with an ice pack on his right leg. With Neymar still recovering from a calf issue, losing the Barcelona winger is a worry for Ancelotti's attack.
Bournemouth's Evanilson, listed as Rayan, replaced him and added energy. Teenager Endrick then made his World Cup debut in the second half at 18. He thought he had a goal on 78 minutes after being played in by Rayan, but the flag went up for offside. The moment still showed his movement and confidence on the biggest stage.
ANCELOTTI'S GAMBLE WORKS, BUT QUESTIONS REMAIN
Ancelotti got his response. Starting Cunha as a false nine gave Brazil fluidity. He dropped deep, linked with Vinicius and Raphinha, and dragged Haiti's high back five out of position. The pace of Brazil's front three exposed acres of space behind Haiti's defense.
But the stats show room for improvement. Brazil managed just 8 shots total joint fourth fewest by a team to score 3+ goals at a World Cup since 1966. Only 2 shots came in the second half, their joint lowest after half time on record. Ancelotti eased off, but tougher tests are coming.
At 30 years and 190 days, Brazil's starting 11 was their oldest at a World Cup since 1962. With Raphinha's injury and Neymar still out, Ancelotti may have to trust youth like Rayan and Endrick more.
GROUP C SITUATION - BRAZIL TOP, HAITI OUT
The win put Brazil top of Group on goal difference. Top spot is still wide open going into Wednesday's final fixtures. Brazil face Scotland, who lost to morocco on friday. Haiti's second defeat eliminates them they are the first team out of the tournament
KEY MOMENTS
23 minute: GOAL! Cunha forces in opener from Vinicius Jr rebound.
36 minute: GOAL! Cunha smashes left footed shot at near post for 2-0
40 minutes: INJURY: Raphinha goes off with suspected hamstring problem
45+3 minute GOAL! Vinicius junior scores Brazil's third before half time.
64 minute: SUB Endrick comes on for World Cup drpubt.
78 minute: VAR Endrick goal ruled out for offside.
Brazil eased to victory, but the real test starts now. Can they maintain this fluid attack vs Scotland and into knockout rounds without Raphinha? Ancelotti has answers, but also new problems to slove.
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