Brazilian Mateus Cunha (9) (AP Photo/Petr David Josek)
New Delhi – Brazil bounced back strongly from its opening draw with Morocco by defeating Haiti 3-0 in Philadelphia to rise to the top of Group C and boost its chances of reaching the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup.
The result also ended Haiti’s hopes of progressing.Carlo Ancelotti’s side started brightly and had an early goal ruled out for offside after Rafinha scored. Brazil continued to press and finally achieved the breakthrough when Matheus Cunha took advantage of the rebound after Vinicius Junior’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Johnny Placid.Cunha scored the second shortly after, following a brilliant pass from Vinicius Junior with a powerful shot. His two first-half goals marked the 10th time a Brazilian player had scored at least two goals before half-time in a World Cup match, the most by any country. According to ESPN, the last Brazilian to achieve the feat was Neymar against Cameroon in 2014.The comfortable win gave Brazil four points from two matches, putting them level with Morocco but ahead on goal difference. The five-time world champions are now in a strong position to secure their place in the last 32.Brazil will face Scotland in their final group stage match, while Haiti have been confirmed eliminated from the tournament despite an improved second-half performance.
