Cunha’s samba makes Haiti exit stage

It was finally samba time in the United States as Brazil secured its first win of this World Cup to move to the top of Group C, while Haiti became the first team to be officially eliminated. Two goals from Matheus Cunha and one from Vinicius Jr. gave Brazil a 3-0 lead at half-time. Despite a spirited effort from Haiti in the second half, they failed to score for the second successive game.

Coming into the game at Philadelphia Stadium, both teams were under pressure, albeit for different reasons. For Haiti, a defeat would mean elimination after their 1-0 loss to Scotland in the opener. Brazil, meanwhile, had been unconvincing in their 1-1 draw with Morocco. The five-time champions looked like a side still adapting to Carlo Ancelotti’s methods rather than one ready to mount a serious title challenge.

Ancelotti made two changes to his starting eleven. Igor Thiago was replaced by Manchester United forward Matheus Cunha, while veteran right-back Danilo came in for Roger Ibanez.

Thiago, who earned his call-up after an impressive season with Brentford, endured a difficult outing in the opener and appeared unable to keep pace with the intensity and movement of Raphinha and Vinicius Jr.

Haiti coach Sebastien Migne, perhaps mindful of the mismatch in quality, set his team up in a 5-4-1 formation designed to limit space out wide.

However, from the outset, their decision to play an aggressive defensive line looked questionable. Against attackers of Vinicius and Raphinha’s quality, it was always likely to be a dangerous gamble.

The first half was a one-sided affair. Haiti failed to register a single shot on target.

Two early runs from Raphinha were flagged offside, momentarily vindicating Haiti’s approach, but Brazil soon exposed the flaws in the system.

The breakthrough arrived in the 23rd minute through Matheus Cunha. Bruno Guimaraes found Vinicius Jr. in a central position at the edge of the box. Vinicius drifted onto his favoured left side and curled an effort that goalkeeper Johny Placide could only parry.

Unfortunately for Haiti, the rebound fell into a crowded area involving defender Delacroix and Cunha, before ricocheting off the striker and into the net.

It was hardly a spectacular finish, but Cunha’s trademark surfing celebration suggested he was not concerned about aesthetics. His second goal, however, was of a different quality altogether.

Again, Vinicius was the creator, carrying the ball from beyond the halfway line before setting up Cunha. The striker’s clever movement left Haitian defender Ricardo Ade stranded, and Cunha unleashed a powerful left-footed finish into the roof of the net.

Just before half-time, Vinicius, already the architect of Brazil’s attacking play, got on the scoresheet himself.

Lucas Paqueta looked up from inside his own half and delivered a pass over Haiti’s defensive line. Vinicius had timed his run perfectly and calmly slotted the ball through Placide’s legs.

It was another example of how vulnerable Haiti were to direct passes in behind.

The second half was a quieter affair. Brazil appeared more relaxed in possession and allowed Haiti greater control of the ball.

While Haiti managed a few attempts, Alisson was only seriously tested once from a corner. Ancelotti also handed minutes to younger players such as Rayan, Endrick and Danilo Santos as he continued to experiment with combinations ahead of the final group game.

Apart from an Endrick goal that was ruled out for offside, Brazil created little of note after the break.

As the final whistle blew, Brazil maintained their unbeaten record against CONCACAF opposition, while Haiti’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds officially ended.

Despite the comfortable victory, Brazil were not without concerns, as Raphinha was forced off in the 39th minute with a hamstring injury.

The severity of the injury remains unclear, but his absence would be significant ahead of Brazil’s final group game against Scotland on June 24.

Rayan replaced him on the day, but Ancelotti could also turn to the more experienced Gabriel Martinelli.

Although Brazil currently lead Group C, they are only ahead of Morocco on goal difference, making victory against Scotland crucial.

It was not a vintage Brazilian performance, but it should quieten some of the criticism and give Ancelotti valuable breathing space.

For Haiti, their World Cup journey will end with a final game against Morocco on June 24. Yet they can leave the tournament with some pride. After a commendable display against Scotland and an honest effort against Brazil, they will hope to build on this experience and return stronger next time.