Matheus Cunha kick-started Brazil’s World Cup campaign by scoring twice in a comfortable 3-0 victory over Haiti in Group C.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side needed a response after drawing with Morocco in their opening match and his decision to drop Brentford striker Igor Thiago for Manchester United forward Cunha paid off in Philadelphia.
Cunha forced in a deserved opener in the 23rd minute, turning home a rebound from Vinicius Junior’s saved effort although the forward was fortunate the goal stood after accidentally kicking defender Hannes Delcroix as he deflected the ball over the line.
But there could be no doubts over Cunha’s second strike that he superbly smashed in high at the near post with his left foot as he fell away off balance before Vinicius Jr rolled in a third during stoppage time to cap Brazil’s impressive first-half performance.
The only negative for Brazil was winger Raphinha being forced off in the 40th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. The Barcelona forward later had an ice pack strapped to the back of his right leg.
Bournemouth’s Rayan replaced Raphinha, with Neymar still yet to return from a calf problem, while teenager Endrick made his World Cup debut in the second half, having a goal ruled out for offside as Brazil eased off.
Brazil’s victory puts them top of Group C on goal difference although top spot is wide open heading into the final round of fixtures on Wednesday when they face Scotland, who were beaten by Morocco on Tuesday. Haiti’s second defeat meant they became the first country to be eliminated.
The key moments from Philadelphia…
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23: GOAL! Cunha forces in a deserved opener from close range after Vinicius Jr’s shot is saved.
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36: GOAL! Cunha strikes again, smashing in a brilliant left-footed shot high into the net at the near post.
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40: RAPHINHA INJURED! The winger looks worried as he is forced off with a possible hamstring injury.
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45+3: GOAL! Vinicius Jr slots in his second goal of the World Cup and Brazil’s third before half-time.
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64: ENDRICK ON! The Brazilian teenager comes off the bench to make his World Cup debut.
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78: OFFSIDE! Endrick has a goal ruled out after being played in by Rayan.
Surfin’ USA!
Cunha pulled out his trademark celebration – twice!
Matheus Cunha celebrates after scoring his first goal
Vinicius Junior (left) and Lucas Paqueta (right) join Matheus Cunha in celebrating his second goal
